Symptoms of Neck Pain

Soreness, Headache, and Stiffness Are Common Neck Pain Symptoms

To get the best treatment for your neck pain, it's important to recognize and understand the symptoms—and what they mean. Your symptoms are a clue to the underlying spinal condition causing your neck pain. When describing your symptoms to your doctor, be as accurate as possible. This will help him/her better figure out your neck pain, diagnose the cause, and get started on a treatment plan.
With neck pain, you may have the following symptoms:

• Neck soreness on one or both sides
• Burning pain
• Tingling sensations
• Stiffness
• Pain around your shoulder blades
• Pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm
• Trouble swallowing, talking, writing, or walking
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Tiredness
• Unintentional weight loss

You must treat your neck pain properly. Seek medical attention if your pain or related symptoms persists for more than a few days—and seek immediate attention if you have neck pain with any of the following emergency signs:

• High fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Irritability
• Severe tenderness with neck movement
• Numbness, weakness, and/or tingling
• You have recently sustained a head or neck injury.

Pay attention to your neck pain and other symptoms.  It may be a sign that you have a more serious spine condition.