NECK PAIN

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR NECK PAIN

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Fever and stiff neck (can't touch chin to chest)
  • Headache and stiff neck (can't touch chin to chest)
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Numbness or tingling in arms, upper back or legs
  • Problems with bowel or bladder control
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Intravenous drug abuse
  • Head is twisting to one side (i.e. turning against your will)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Tenderness or swelling of front of neck over windpipe
  • Neck pain radiates (shoots, spreads) into the arm or hand

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Neck pain lasts more than 2 weeks
  • Neck pains are a recurrent problem
  • Over 50 years old and you have not experienced similar neck pain previously
  • Neck pain lasts more than 3 days and it interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep

Self Care at Home If

  • Mild neck pain and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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