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Pain in your neck to the side of your windpipe could be a sign of many minor conditions such as a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes or muscle strains such as whiplash or from bending over and staring at your phone too long. Rarely, pain in the front of your neck beside the windpipe can be a sign of a heart attack.

Why am I having neck and throat pain?

Tumors – A persistent sore throat is a common symptom of head and neck cancers. Other possible symptoms include:

pain when swallowinga lump or sore that is slow to heala chronic sinus infectionfrequent headachesswelling near the jaw pain or numbness in the facial muscles

Most people with a sore throat or neck do not have cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, doctors diagnosed about 53,000 new cases of head and neck cancers in 2019. The CDC estimate that 38–54 million people had the flu between October 2019 and early March 2020.

drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydratedgargling warm water with saltdrinking warm tea with honey eating soft foods, such as soupsusing over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory or pain relieving medicationsapplying a warm compress to the affected area to ease muscle painusing a cold compress or an ice pack to reduce swellingstretching the neck and shoulders to relieve muscle tension

Although cold or flu symptoms usually clear up without medical treatment, home remedies may have minimal effects on the symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. In this case, a doctor will likely prescribe a round of antibiotics, People may notice that their symptoms improve within a few days of starting antibiotics.

However, it is essential to complete the entire course to prevent reinfection and the development of antibiotic resistance, People should see their doctor if they experience a severe or persistent sore throat that does not respond to at-home treatment. They should also seek medical care if they experience severe neck pain that does not go away or spreads to other parts of the body.

People must inform their doctor if they have:

difficulty swallowing or breathinga high fevera palpable lump in the necksudden, severe headachesnumbness in the limbs, face, or mouth

A doctor will perform a physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes and signs of tenderness, redness, and swelling in the neck. They will also review a person’s medical history to determine whether an allergy, chronic condition, injury, or exposure to a particular substance could explain their symptoms.

If a doctor suspects that a person may have a bacterial or viral infection, they may order blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. They might request a blood test that detects specific antibodies or one that measures the number of white blood cells present in the blood. If a bacterial infection is more likely, the doctor may collect samples from a person’s throat or mouth and send them to a laboratory for further analysis.

How to Relieve a Sore Throat in Seconds

A doctor may also follow this procedure if a person has an abnormal lump on their neck. Lab technicians will analyze samples of the tissue for signs of infections or cancer. A sore throat and neck pain can both occur as a result of mild illnesses, such as a cold, the flu, or strep throat.

In most cases, a person with this combination of symptoms does not need to seek immediate treatment. The symptoms should resolve within a few days to a week. Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and drinking warm liquids can help relieve a sore throat. People can treat neck pain with OTC pain relievers, warm or cold compresses, and neck stretches.

Anyone who experiences severe or persistent symptoms may wish to speak with their doctor. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and recommend effective treatment options.

Why does the side of my neck hurt and my throat hurts?

A sore throat is a common reason to see a doctor. However, when a throat is sore on only one side, it may be a sign of a different illness or condition such as swollen lymph nodes or tonsillitis. In this article, we look at nine possible causes of a sore throat on one side. We also discuss when to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Some illnesses and conditions cause soreness on only one side of the throat. The body’s lymph nodes act as filters, helping to identify and trap germs, such as viruses and bacteria, before they can infect other areas. As they do this, the lymph nodes may swell up and become sore.

a cold or flu strep throat an ear infectionan infected tooth, or tooth abscess mononucleosis, sometimes called “mono”infections in the skin cancer HIV

Many common viral illnesses, such as a cold or flu, can cause a sore throat. In these cases, the throat may only be sore on one side. When the nose is congested, mucus and fluid drain down the back of the throat. This is known as postnasal drip. Continual drainage can irritate the throat, leading to a feeling of soreness or scratchiness.

A specific part of the throat may become more irritated by drainage. It may feel like one side is raw and inflamed. Antibiotics cannot treat or weaken viral illnesses. If a cold, flu, or another viral illness is causing the sore throat, treatment will likely involve rest and fluids. Tonsillitis describes inflammation of one or more tonsil.

The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, and a virus or bacterium usually causes the infection and inflammation. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing. Bacterial tonsillitis usually resolves with antibiotic treatment.

• An abscess is a contained, pus-filled lump within tissue.
• It is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
• A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues near the tonsils, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated.
• It may cause intense pain on one side of the throat.
• It may also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and trouble swallowing.

A person with a peritonsillar abscess requires urgent medical care. In severe cases, it can interfere with breathing. The abscess may need to be drained by a doctor. Antibiotics are also used to treat the underlying infection. Many things can injure the back of the mouth or throat, including:

burns from hot food or liquidfood with sharp edges, such as chips or crackersendotracheal intubation, which is the insertion of a tube down the throat to help with breathing

If one side of the throat is sore from being scraped or burned, gargling with warm salt water may help to soothe symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) is a condition that causes the stomach’s contents, including stomach acid, to back up into the food pipe and throat.

pain or burning in the middle of the chestthe feeling of a lump or object in the throathoarsenessa dry coughburning in the mouth

If GERD goes untreated for too long, it can damage the food pipe and throat. The condition is treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. As the name implies, this viral illness usually causes sores to form on the hands, feet, and mouth. Sores can develop in the back of the mouth, near the sides of the throat, and one side may be more affected than the other.

1. Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually occurs in children under 5 years of age, but it can also spread to older children and adults.
2. The recommended treatment usually comprises rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication for pain relief.
3. However, the disease can cause dehydration, especially in young children.

A person should see a doctor if they are unable to drink. Share on Pinterest Vocal therapy and resting the voice may help to treat vocal cord lesions. Overusing or misusing the voice can lead to lesions or sores on the vocal cords. A lesion may form on one side, causing one area of the throat to be sore.

A person with a vocal cord lesion will usually notice a change in their voice, such as hoarseness. These types of lesions are usually treatable. Resting the voice and vocal therapy are typically used to correct vocal cord lesions. In some cases, lesions will require surgery. While they are among the least common causes of a sore throat, tumors can affect the throat and surrounding areas.

They may be benign or cancerous. A tumor can cause soreness on one side of the throat. It may be located in the back of the throat or tongue, or in the larynx, which is commonly known as the voice box. Usually, a tumor will also lead to symptoms that do not occur with common infections and illnesses.

a lump in the necka hoarse voicenoisy breathingunexplained weight lossblood in the saliva or bloody phlegman ongoing cough

If a throat is sore on one side, the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as the common cold. However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear:

an inability to eat or drink because of the sore throata severe sore throat that lasts for more than 7 days swollen lymph nodes that get bigger as the sore throat feels betterdifficulty breathing, or a feeling of the throat closingtrouble swallowinga fever pus in the back of the throatbody aches or joint painan earachea rashblood in the mouthcoughing up blooda lump in the necka sore throat that goes away and comes backhoarseness that lasts for more than 2 weeks

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Can neck pain make your throat hurt?

Some people may experience a sore throat that occurs along with a stiff neck, There are a few reasons why these symptoms may occur together, such as injury or infection. It’s also possible that a sore throat can cause a stiff neck, and vice versa. Read on to learn more about the connection between these two ailments, how they can be treated, and when you should call your doctor.

throat cervical spine various muscles and blood vessels

Therefore, a condition that affects one structure can also go on to affect others. For example:

A bacterial infection that begins in the throat can invade the deeper tissues of the neck, causing neck pain or stiffness.A tumor in the neck can cause irritation in the throat while pressing on other nearby tissues, leading to neck pain.An injury to the neck may strain muscles, causing neck pain and stiffness. If it affects the area of your throat, you may also experience some soreness.Some viruses that affect the throat, such as Epstein-Barr, can also cause viral meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include a stiff neck.

When should I worry about neck and sore throat?

When to worry about a sore throat Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable, or worse. In many cases, sore throats are caused by viral infections but an expert at Baylor College of Medicine says that although this may be the most common cause; multiple health conditions may play a role in having an itchy, irritated and painful throat.

1. The most common reason for someone to develop a sore throat would be a virus, and this is often accompanied by a runny nose, cough or malaise,” said, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Baylor.
2. A severe sore throat may be an indication of possible strep throat, a bacterial infection.
3. Individuals who develop strep throat often have high fevers or pus on the tonsils; however, Ongkasuwan said many other viral infections may be associated with high fevers so she recommends visiting your doctor for a throat swab.

“For most people experiencing a sore throat, I generally recommend rest and hydration. If you are highly concerned then you should get a strep swab, and you really shouldn’t take antibiotics unless the strep swab is positive,” she said. Those who experience strep throat multiple times a year may be a candidate for tonsillectomy.

“According to the Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, if an individual has documented strep throat seven times in one year, five times per year for two consecutive years, or three times per year for three consecutive years, they can consider having their tonsils removed,” Ongkasuwan said.

Other health conditions that can cause sore throat are reflux, tonsil stones, muscle tension, and mononucleosis, also known as mono. Acid reflux can cause heartburn and if the acid reaches the throat it can also lead to throat discomfort. Tonsil stones refer to food debris that get stuck in the tonsils resulting in inflammation and irritation.

• For throat pain that persists beyond three weeks and is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or weight loss, Ongkasuwan recommends visiting a doctor to rule out any severe health conditions.
• There are ways to sooth a sore throat without having to take antibiotics, such as non-caffeinated warm tea or hot water with honey.

“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.” : When to worry about a sore throat

When should I be worried about neck pain?

Schedule an office visit – Call your doctor if you have neck pain that:

• Worsens in spite of self-care
• Persists after several weeks of self-care
• Radiates down your arms or legs
• Is accompanied by headache, weakness, numbness or tingling

What does meningitis neck feel like?

Meningitis refers to swelling in the membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord. This type of inflammation affects your nervous system. Meningitis can be viral or bacterial, and symptoms of meningitis can spread throughout your entire body. Neck pain and stiffness can sometimes be a sign of meningitis.

• The inflammation of membranes at the base of your brain can cause this symptom, as well as severe headaches and cognitive difficulties.
• Let’s take a look at how neck pain can be connected to meningitis, as well as when to be concerned.
• Meningitis is a neurological condition that causes inflammation of the membranes around your brain and spinal cord.

This condition is typically caused by a bacteria or a virus, but it can also be caused by a fungus, a parasite, or another underlying condition, such as cancer. Viral meningitis can often go away with rest and fluids as the primary treatment. Bacterial meningitis tends to be far more severe and typically requires doctor-prescribed treatment as well as hospitalization.

1. It’s important to know that any type of meningitis can lead to complications.
2. Meningitis neck pain may feel like severe stiffness when you try to turn your neck or bend you neck forward.
3. It may also feel like a deep, throbbing pain that extends from the bottom of your skull down into your upper back.
4. This is caused by swelling located in the back of your neck, behind your skull, that you may be able to feel.

Neck pain from meningitis can be accompanied by a feeling of tenderness or soreness in the affected area. It may also come with a throbbing or persistent headache. Meningitis refers to inflammation stemming from the meninges. The meninges are three layers of membranes that protect your brain and your spinal cord.

• These three membranes are called the pia mater, the arachnoid, and the dura mater.
• The dura mater is the outermost membrane and the one that is sensitive to pain.
• If there is anything putting pressure on the dura mater membrane, your body often reacts with a severe throbbing headache.
• The dura mater also stiffens when it is irritated.

This is why the presence of an infection in your meninges is often enough to cause both neck pain and stiffness. Meningitis can be diagnosed by testing the blood and spinal fluid of the person who is showing symptoms. There are also several other tests a doctor can conduct during an in-person exam to see if you are showing symptoms of meningitis.

A comprehensive physical exam in a doctor’s office. During this exam, you’ll be asked about your symptoms, including any neck pain or stiffness. The doctor may look for something called Brudzinski’s sign through a test where your neck is slowly pulled forward. A blood test may be required to diagnose meningitis. This blood test checks for the types of bacteria to see if you have a blood infection that’s causing meningitis. The blood test can also check for elevated levels of certain proteins to see if you have an infection. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, may be performed to detect any sign of swelling around your brain or spinal cord. The only test that can definitively diagnose meningitis is a lumbar puncture, which is sometimes called a spinal tap. During this procedure, a doctor uses a needle to draw out cerebrospinal fluid from your brain and spinal cord region. This fluid is then tested for antibodies, protein levels, and white blood cells, among other things.

The treatment for meningitis will depend on the underlying cause of the infection. Viral meningitis can be treated with rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medication may be recommended by your doctor to help with neck pain, headaches, and other symptoms.

In more severe cases, you may be prescribed corticosteroids to reduce membrane swelling. Bacterial meningitis usually requires hospitalization. You will most likely be treated with an intravenous (IV) drip of antibiotics as soon as you’re diagnosed. Corticosteroids are also frequently prescribed to help reduce brain swelling.

In some cases, your doctor will have to drain fluid from your sinuses to prevent the infection from progressing. Anyone can contract the infection-causing agent and develop bacterial or viral meningitis. There are some people who are at a higher risk of infection than others.

infants and children who attend school/daycare people who are over age 65people who live in group home settings or college dormitories people who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV or diabetespeople who take immunosuppressant drugs people who have alcohol use disorder

The outlook for people who have meningitis depends on the cause and severity of their infection. People with a mild case of viral meningitis often make a full recovery within 2 to 4 weeks. Even if you have bacterial meningitis, early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can mean that you start to feel better fairly quickly.

In some cases of bacterial meningitis, the condition is not diagnosed in time to stop the infection from progressing. In these cases, neurological symptoms may take months to recover from. Some people experience meningitis complications, including permanent damage to the brain’s hearing center, memory loss, and loss of coordination.

If the infection continues to progress, it can be fatal. It’s critical that people with bacterial meningitis receive testing and treatment as soon as possible.

Why does the side of my neck hurt inside?

Common causes include physical strain, poor posture, mental stress, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disk, pinched nerve, tumors and other health conditions.

Is neck pain a symptom of anything?

Neck pain is pain that starts in the neck and can be associated with radiating pain down one or both of the arms. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders or diseases that involve any of the tissues in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments or muscles.

1. The neck region of the spinal column, the cervical spine, consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae ), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs.
2. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during activity.
3. Each vertebral bone has an opening forming a continuous hollow longitudinal space, which runs the whole length of the back.

This space, called the spinal canal, is the area through which the spinal cord and nerve bundles pass. The spinal cord is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and surrounded by a protective layer called the dura, a leathery sac. At each vertebral level, a pair of spinal nerves exit through small openings called foramina (one to the left and one to the right).

• These nerves supply the muscles, skin and tissues of the body and thus provide sensation and movement to all parts of the body.
• The delicate spinal cord and nerves are protected by suspension in the spinal fluid in the dural sac, then further by the bony vertebrae.
• The bony vertebrae are further supported by strong ligaments and muscles that bind them and allow for safe movement.

Neck pain may be caused by arthritis, disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, muscle inflammation, strain or trauma. In rare cases, it may be a sign of cancer or meningitis. For serious neck problems, a primary care physician and often a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon, should be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

• Age, injury, poor posture or diseases such as arthritis can lead to degeneration of the bones or joints of the cervical spine, causing disc herniation or bone spurs to form.
• Sudden severe injury to the neck may also contribute to disc herniation, whiplash, blood vessel destruction, vertebral injury and in extreme cases may result in permanent paralysis.

Herniated discs or bone spurs may cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, or the small openings through which spinal nerve roots exit, putting pressure on spinal cord or the nerves. Pressure on the spinal cord in the cervical region can be a serious problem, because virtually all of the nerves to the rest of the body have to pass through the neck to reach their final destination (arms, chest, abdomen, legs).

• This can potentially compromise the function of many important organs.
• Pressure on a nerve can result in numbness, pain or weakness to the area in the arm the nerve supplies.
• Cervical stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and is most frequently caused by degeneration associated with aging.

(See also: AANS Cervical Spine Patient Page ). The discs in the spine that separate and cushion vertebrae may dry out. As a result, the space between the vertebrae shrinks and the discs lose their ability to act as shock absorbers. At the same time, the bones and ligaments that make up the spine become less pliable and thicken.

These changes result in a narrowing of the spinal canal. In addition, the degenerative changes associated with cervical stenosis can affect the vertebrae by contributing to the growth of bone spurs that compress the nerve roots. Mild stenosis can be treated conservatively for extended periods of time as long as the symptoms are restricted to neck pain.

Severe stenosis may impinge the spinal cord causing injury and requires referral to a neurosurgeon. Neck injury symptoms include neck stiffness, shoulder or arm pain, headache, facial pain and dizziness. Pain from a motor vehicle injury may be caused by tears in muscles or injuries to the joints between vertebrae.

Pain in the arm Numbness or weakness in the arm or forearm Tingling in the fingers or hand Difficulty with balance and walking Weakness in the arms or legs

Those with neck pain may be referred to a neurosurgeon because of pain in the neck, shoulder or tingling and numbness in the arms or weakness. Neurosurgeons should be consulted for neck pain if:

It occurs after an injury or blow to the head Fever or headache accompanies the neck pain Stiff neck prevents the patient from touching chin to chest Pain shoots down one arm There is tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands Neck symptoms associated with leg weakness or loss of coordination in arms or legs The pain does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication Pain does not improve after a week

Diagnosis is made by a neurosurgeon based on patient history, symptoms, a physical examination and results of diagnostic studies, if necessary. Some patients may be treated conservatively and then undergo imaging studies if medication and physical therapy are ineffective. These tests may include:

Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT scan) Discography Electromyography (EMG) Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Myelogram Selective Nerve Root Block X-rays

Most causes of neck pain are not life threatening and resolve with time and conservative medical treatment. Determining a treatment strategy depends mainly on identifying the location and cause of the pain. Although neck pain can be quite debilitating and painful, nonsurgical management can alleviate many symptoms.

The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain or inflammation and muscle relaxants to allow time for healing to occur. Reducing physical activities or wearing a cervical collar may help provide support for the spine, reduce mobility and decrease pain and irritation. Trigger point injection, including corticosteroids, can temporarily relieve pain.

Occasionally, epidural steroids may be recommended. Conservative treatment options may continue for six to eight weeks. If the patient is experiencing any weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, seek medical attention immediately. If the patient has had any trauma and is now experiencing neck pain with weakness or numbness, urgent consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended.

Conservative therapy is not helping The patient experiences a decrease in function due to persistent pain The patient experiences progressive neurological symptoms involving the arms and legs The patient experiences difficulty with balance or walking The patient is in otherwise good health

There are several different surgical procedures which can be utilized, the choice is influenced by the specifics of each case. Also, there are options for approaches from the front of the neck or the back of the neck. In many cases, spinal fusion is performed, though in some cases, simple decompression or artificial disc replacement may be employed.

• Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae.
• Various devices (like screws or plates) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the cervical spine.
• This procedure may assist in strengthening and stabilizing the spine and may thereby help to alleviate severe and chronic neck pain.

Factors that help determine the type of surgical treatment include the specifics of the disc disease and the presence or absence of pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. Other factors include age, how long the patient has had the disorder, other medical conditions and if there has been previous cervical spine surgery.

If the patient smokes, he or she should try to quit. Smoking damages the structures and architecture of the spine and slows down the healing process. If overweight, the patient should try to lose weight. Both smoking and obesity have been shown to have a negative impact on spinal fusion surgery outcome.

The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of neck pain patients report significant pain relief after surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will help every individual. If neck pain resolves with non-surgical, conservative treatment, follow-up will likely be on an as-needed basis or if symptoms return.

If a patient undergoes surgery, follow-up is specific to each type of procedure. AANS Patient Pages are authored by neurosurgical professionals, with the goal of providing useful information to the public. Alex P. Michael, MD Important The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets.

This information provided is an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the AANS’ Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool.

What infections cause neck pain?

Meningitis – Meningitis is inflammation in the area surrounding your brain and spinal cord (your meninges ). It’s usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It’s one of the most serious causes of neck stiffness. It can cause permanent damage to your body if it’s not treated right away.

What do swollen lymph nodes feel like?

Check if your glands are swollen – Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps:

on each side of the neckunder the chinin the armpitsaround the groin

Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it. Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells. You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or high temperature.

Can swollen lymph nodes make your neck hurt?

Neck pain along the lymph nodes can be caused by enlargement of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) or inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis).

What can I take for neck and throat pain?

3. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers – An antihistamine may dull or relieve throat pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen also help with pain that’s located a little deeper in your glands and other parts of your neck. ” Histamines are chemicals that help your immune system fight foreign substances.

Is neck pain a symptom of anything?

Neck pain is pain that starts in the neck and can be associated with radiating pain down one or both of the arms. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders or diseases that involve any of the tissues in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments or muscles.

1. The neck region of the spinal column, the cervical spine, consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae ), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs.
2. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock absorbers during activity.
3. Each vertebral bone has an opening forming a continuous hollow longitudinal space, which runs the whole length of the back.

This space, called the spinal canal, is the area through which the spinal cord and nerve bundles pass. The spinal cord is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and surrounded by a protective layer called the dura, a leathery sac. At each vertebral level, a pair of spinal nerves exit through small openings called foramina (one to the left and one to the right).

1. These nerves supply the muscles, skin and tissues of the body and thus provide sensation and movement to all parts of the body.
2. The delicate spinal cord and nerves are protected by suspension in the spinal fluid in the dural sac, then further by the bony vertebrae.
3. The bony vertebrae are further supported by strong ligaments and muscles that bind them and allow for safe movement.

Neck pain may be caused by arthritis, disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, muscle inflammation, strain or trauma. In rare cases, it may be a sign of cancer or meningitis. For serious neck problems, a primary care physician and often a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon, should be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

• Age, injury, poor posture or diseases such as arthritis can lead to degeneration of the bones or joints of the cervical spine, causing disc herniation or bone spurs to form.
• Sudden severe injury to the neck may also contribute to disc herniation, whiplash, blood vessel destruction, vertebral injury and in extreme cases may result in permanent paralysis.

Herniated discs or bone spurs may cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, or the small openings through which spinal nerve roots exit, putting pressure on spinal cord or the nerves. Pressure on the spinal cord in the cervical region can be a serious problem, because virtually all of the nerves to the rest of the body have to pass through the neck to reach their final destination (arms, chest, abdomen, legs).

1. This can potentially compromise the function of many important organs.
2. Pressure on a nerve can result in numbness, pain or weakness to the area in the arm the nerve supplies.
3. Cervical stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and is most frequently caused by degeneration associated with aging.

(See also: AANS Cervical Spine Patient Page ). The discs in the spine that separate and cushion vertebrae may dry out. As a result, the space between the vertebrae shrinks and the discs lose their ability to act as shock absorbers. At the same time, the bones and ligaments that make up the spine become less pliable and thicken.

• These changes result in a narrowing of the spinal canal.
• In addition, the degenerative changes associated with cervical stenosis can affect the vertebrae by contributing to the growth of bone spurs that compress the nerve roots.
• Mild stenosis can be treated conservatively for extended periods of time as long as the symptoms are restricted to neck pain.

Severe stenosis may impinge the spinal cord causing injury and requires referral to a neurosurgeon. Neck injury symptoms include neck stiffness, shoulder or arm pain, headache, facial pain and dizziness. Pain from a motor vehicle injury may be caused by tears in muscles or injuries to the joints between vertebrae.

Pain in the arm Numbness or weakness in the arm or forearm Tingling in the fingers or hand Difficulty with balance and walking Weakness in the arms or legs

Those with neck pain may be referred to a neurosurgeon because of pain in the neck, shoulder or tingling and numbness in the arms or weakness. Neurosurgeons should be consulted for neck pain if:

It occurs after an injury or blow to the head Fever or headache accompanies the neck pain Stiff neck prevents the patient from touching chin to chest Pain shoots down one arm There is tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands Neck symptoms associated with leg weakness or loss of coordination in arms or legs The pain does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication Pain does not improve after a week

Diagnosis is made by a neurosurgeon based on patient history, symptoms, a physical examination and results of diagnostic studies, if necessary. Some patients may be treated conservatively and then undergo imaging studies if medication and physical therapy are ineffective. These tests may include:

Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT scan) Discography Electromyography (EMG) Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Myelogram Selective Nerve Root Block X-rays

Most causes of neck pain are not life threatening and resolve with time and conservative medical treatment. Determining a treatment strategy depends mainly on identifying the location and cause of the pain. Although neck pain can be quite debilitating and painful, nonsurgical management can alleviate many symptoms.

1. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain or inflammation and muscle relaxants to allow time for healing to occur.
2. Reducing physical activities or wearing a cervical collar may help provide support for the spine, reduce mobility and decrease pain and irritation.
3. Trigger point injection, including corticosteroids, can temporarily relieve pain.

Occasionally, epidural steroids may be recommended. Conservative treatment options may continue for six to eight weeks. If the patient is experiencing any weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, seek medical attention immediately. If the patient has had any trauma and is now experiencing neck pain with weakness or numbness, urgent consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended.

Conservative therapy is not helping The patient experiences a decrease in function due to persistent pain The patient experiences progressive neurological symptoms involving the arms and legs The patient experiences difficulty with balance or walking The patient is in otherwise good health

There are several different surgical procedures which can be utilized, the choice is influenced by the specifics of each case. Also, there are options for approaches from the front of the neck or the back of the neck. In many cases, spinal fusion is performed, though in some cases, simple decompression or artificial disc replacement may be employed.

Spinal fusion is an operation that creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae. Various devices (like screws or plates) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the cervical spine. This procedure may assist in strengthening and stabilizing the spine and may thereby help to alleviate severe and chronic neck pain.

Factors that help determine the type of surgical treatment include the specifics of the disc disease and the presence or absence of pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. Other factors include age, how long the patient has had the disorder, other medical conditions and if there has been previous cervical spine surgery.

1. If the patient smokes, he or she should try to quit.
2. Smoking damages the structures and architecture of the spine and slows down the healing process.
3. If overweight, the patient should try to lose weight.
4. Both smoking and obesity have been shown to have a negative impact on spinal fusion surgery outcome.

The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of neck pain patients report significant pain relief after surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will help every individual. If neck pain resolves with non-surgical, conservative treatment, follow-up will likely be on an as-needed basis or if symptoms return.

1. If a patient undergoes surgery, follow-up is specific to each type of procedure.
2. AANS Patient Pages are authored by neurosurgical professionals, with the goal of providing useful information to the public. Alex P.
3. Michael, MD Important The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets.

This information provided is an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the AANS’ Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool.