What Causes Neck Pain?

There are several theories about why so many people suffer neck pain, but they are not supported by scientific proof. For most people, no specific reason for the pain can be found.

But in some cases it's possible to make a precise diagnosis. The underlying problem could be a slipped disc, brittle bones (osteoporosis), deformed natural curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and, very rarely, structural damage due to tumors or infection.

Finally, road traffic accidents involving whiplash injury may result in acute or chronic neck pain that takes several months to improve.

Danger signals associated with neck pain

In some cases, neck pain may be a symptom of meningitis.

If any of the following symptoms occur, dial 120 in China or seek medical attention urgently.

• A rash develops that doesn't fade when you press it with a glass tumbler or a finger.
• The patient feels ill or is running a fever, as well as feeling neck pain.
• It's so painful to bend the neck forward that the patient can't put their chin on their chest.
• Light hurts the eyes.
• Neck pain is accompanied by severe headache or continuous vomiting.
• Neck pain is accompanied by severe pain in the back.

In some cases, neck pain can be a symptom of head injury or disc trouble in the neck.

If any of the following symptoms occur, dial 120 in China or seek medical attention urgently.  

• Neck pain is the result of a recent head injury and the person is becoming drowsy, confused or is vomiting.
• Neck pain is accompanied by headache.
• There’s pain behind one eye.
• Vision, hearing, taste or balance is affected.
• Severe vomiting.
• The muscle power in arms or legs is reduced.

What can you do yourself?

Stay as active as possible. Try to go to work and keep up your normal everyday activities – bed rest isn't necessary.
If you're given a neck-collar, try not to use this for more than one or two days. Avoid driving if you're unable to turn your head quickly.
Remember that neck pain is rarely caused by a serious illness and will often disappear within a week. If you have had pains in the neck for a longer period, it's better to consult your GP or a physical therapist.
Also, the following symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying problem than simple mechanical neck pain and require that you seek further advice from your GP:

• co-existing illness, such as unexplained weight loss
• actual tenderness or pain in the neck bones (vertebrae)
• the pain simply continues to get steadily worse despite treatment
• if one or both of your arms become affected, e.g. persistent numbness, weakness or clumsiness.

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