Neck Pain

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When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if:

A person has signs of damage to the spine after an injury (such as a car accident, a fall, or a direct blow to the spine). Signs may include:
- Being unable to move part of the body.
- Severe back or neck pain.
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
You suddenly lose bowel or bladder control or your ability to stand, even if you were not injured.
You have neck pain that occurs with chest pain and other symptoms of a heart attack.

Call your doctor if you have:

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Severe pain that does not improve after a few days of home treatment.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your chest, belly, buttocks, arms, or legs.
Neck pain with severe arm pain.
Other pain that isn't better after 2 weeks of home treatment.

Watchful Waiting

Most neck pain doesn't require a visit to a doctor.

If the pain doesn't get better after 1 or 2 days and you can't do your normal daily activities, call your doctor.

If you still have mild to moderate pain after at least 2 weeks of home treatment, talk with your doctor. He or she may want to check for problems that may be causing your neck pain.

Who to See

Health professionals who can evaluate and treat neck pain include:

Emergency doctors.
Primary care providers. This includes:

If your neck pain is severe or long-lasting, health professionals who can treat you include:

You can also get care from:

Acupuncturists.
Certified massage therapists.
Chiropractors.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 15, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.