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FAMILY ILLNESS
Neck pain or stiffness
Pain and / or stiffness in the neck is usually due to a minor problem that does not require treatment, such as a muscle strain or a ligament sprain. However, if the pain occurs with fever, meningitis is a possibility. Neck pain or stiffness becomes more common as people grow older; and may then be due to a disorder of the neck bones and joints.
START
How long have you had pain and / or stiffness in the neck?
Less than 24 hours
24 hours or longer
Have you jolted or injured your neck, for example in a car accident or fall?
Neck injury
No neck injury
! Danger signs
Dial 911 or call EMS if you have neck pain associated with any of the following:
• Difficulty controlling your bladder.
• Difficulty controlling your bowels.
• Severe headache.
• Drowsiness or confusion.
• Dislike of bright light.
Which of the following describes your symptoms?
Pain and stiffness worsening over many months
Neck pain with numbness or pain in the arm / hand
Neither
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have osteoarthritis of the upper spine, especially if you are over the age of 45.
Have you noticed any of the following?
Pain, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg
Difficulty moving an arm or leg
Loss of bladder control
None of the above
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your neck pain or stiffness from this chart.
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! You may have damaged your spine.
• Follow the first-aid advice for spinal injuries( p. 46).
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Your neck is probably strained and / or bruised from overstretching a muscle.
• Take an analgesic such as acetaminophen and rest lying down.
• A heat pad or covered hot-water bottle placed against your neck may provide additional pain relief.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if you are no better in 24 hours.