Neck Pain: When to Call the Doctor
When should I call the doctor if I have neck pain?
Contact your doctor if you have neck pain that interferes with work or other daily activities.
In rare cases, neck pain can be a sign of a medical emergency. Seek urgent medical care if your neck pain:
- Develops after having an accident.
- Happens with numbness or tingling in the arms, shoulders or legs.
- Occurs with weakness in legs or loss of coordination in arms or legs.
- Includes headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
- Involves loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Arises along with a stiff neck.
- Occurs with chills, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
- Stays the same when resting or moving.
- Does not respond to over-the-counter medications.
- Does not lessen after one week.
