Neck pain symptoms

Most people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. For many, the discomfort goes away within a few days. Others experience intense or lingering neck pain that interrupts their day-to-day activities, making it difficult to focus or relax.

The good news is that neck pain doesn’t have to be your norm. At Advocate Health Care, our team of spine specialists provides a wide range of services to help you find neck pain relief. We offer targeted treatments to help you get back to your day-to-day routine, free from pain.

What does neck pain feel like?

Many people describe neck pain as tension or stiffness. It may be a low, dull ache you feel throughout the day. Or you may have episodes of sharp, intense pain concentrated on one spot in your neck. Some people also describe neck pain as pressure on their neck.

Tension and stiffness are the most common symptoms of neck pain. But you may also have:

• Facial pain
• Headaches, especially ones that start in the back of your head and travel around to the front
• Limited range of motion
• Pain that worsens when you twist your neck or look up and down
• Muscle spasms
• Stabbing or burning pain
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiates through your arms

Your specific symptoms may vary depending on the cause of neck pain. A sharp pain often means the pain is coming from a joint in your neck. In contrast, neck tightness usually points to a cramped muscle.

Is neck pain a symptom of stress?

Some people develop neck pain in periods of high stress. They may subconsciously tense their neck or shoulder muscles throughout the day, leading to pain and stiffness.

Learning to manage stress with coping techniques such as exercise, talk therapy, or journaling can help. You may also try home remedies or practice specific stretches to relieve pain in your neck.

How long does neck pain last?

Neck pain may last for several hours, or it may stick around for weeks or months. Your spine specialist usually diagnoses what type of neck pain you have as:

• Acute, lasting less than 4 weeks
• Subacute, lasting 4 to 12 weeks
• Chronic, lasting 12 weeks or longer

It’s important to tell your doctor what neck pain symptoms you have, what relieves your symptoms, and how long symptoms have lasted. This information can help your doctor find the cause and offer effective treatment options.

When should I be worried about pain in my neck?

Neck pain is common, and it’s typically not a sign of a major issue. But sometimes, neck pain is a warning sign of a deeper problem, such as a tumor or meningitis, an infection in the membranes around your spinal cord. Seek immediate medical care if you have neck pain along with:

• Chills or fever
• Coordination or balance problems
• Difficulty walking
• Radiating pain
• Tingling in your arms or legs