Symptoms of Neck Pain

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.