What you may feel
- Local neck pain or stiffness on one or both sides.
- Turning the head or looking behind may be painful or limited.
- Prolonged computer work or a fixed position may worsen symptoms.
- Pain may spread towards the shoulder, shoulder blade or back of the head.
- Tell the clinician separately about arm tingling, numbness or weakness.
How it is assessed
Assessment considers onset, injury history, movement and neurological signs. Test results are interpreted alongside symptoms and examination findings.
Describe when pain began, which positions change it and whether it spreads into a limb. Bring any previous investigation reports.
Approaches to care
Depending on the cause, care may involve pain management, adjustments to movement and workload, and personalised rehabilitation. Procedures are considered after assessment.
Progress is also reviewed through sleep, walking and return to usual tasks. Tell your clinician what has helped or aggravated symptoms.
When to seek urgent help
New or increasing arm or leg weakness, worsening walking or hand coordination, or pain after major trauma needs urgent assessment. A stiff neck with fever and severe headache requires emergency help.
Further reading: NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.