Neck pain when is it serious

Neck pain caused by muscle tension or strain usually goes away on its own within a few days and needs only conservative treatment at the most. Neck pain that continues longer than several weeks usually will still respond to exercise, stretching, physical therapy, massage and watchful waiting, but steroid injections or even surgery are occasionally indicated. Call or your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you have severe neck pain that's associated with:.

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Medically referred to as vertebral osteomyelitis, infection in the cervical spine is an uncommon cause of neck pain that needs prompt attention.

Symptoms include fever, chills, unexpected weight loss, nighttime pain that is worse than daytime pain, swelling, and infection. Risk factors include being elderly, having a weakened immune system, and intravenous drug use. Treatment with antibiotics usually is sufficient for a full recovery, however, in rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, remove infected material, or stabilize the spine.

A brain tumor located in the cerebellum, or back of the skull, can cause a stiff neck, as can a tumor in the neck or spine itself. Spine-Health lists three kinds of spinal tumors that can cause neck pain.

Primary or metastatic tumors in the vertebral column can occur in the disc or bone. Intradural-extramedullary tumors grow under the membrane that covers the spinal cord, which can be benign or malignant. Other tumors arise from the nerve root that grows off the spinal cord and branches out to the body. These tumors are usually benign. Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological condition that can cause neck muscles to spasm uncontrollably or contort the head outside normal alignment.

According to the Mayo Clinic , it is rare and most often occurs in middle-aged people. The cause is unknown. See Types of Spinal Tumors. This is not a complete list, as many conditions could cause the neck tissues to swell or spasm, resulting in painful, restricted movement.

See What Causes Neck Spasms? Stiff Neck Symptoms and Causes Animation. Stiff Neck Remedies Based on Cause. You are here Conditions Neck Pain. When Is a Stiff Neck Serious? By Richard Staehler, MD. Peer Reviewed. Bacterial meningitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website.