What happens if neck pain is left untreated?

If left untreated, neck pain can progress and cause secondary conditions such as headaches, migraines and shoulder pain that radiates into other areas of the body.

How long is too long for neck pain?

Acute neck pain usually goes away within about one to two weeks. In some people it comes back again in certain situations, such as after work or intensive sports. If the symptoms last longer than three months, it’s considered to be chronic neck pain.

What illness gives you a stiff neck?

Meningitis—which in its most dangerous form is a bacterial infection that causes the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord to be inflamed—is the most common serious condition associated with a stiff neck.

What kind of doctor do I see for neck pain?

If you have neck pain, an orthopedist may be the right specialist to see. An orthopedist is a highly trained surgeon, knowledgeable about the skeleton and its structures. When it comes to treating neck pain, many patients consider orthopedic care the gold standard.

How long does it take for a stiff neck to heal?

The pain may be just annoying or interfere with daily activities. But fortunately, neck pain isn’t usually a sign of anything serious. And most people with common neck pain will experience a complete recovery in four to six weeks.

How long does a torn neck muscle take to heal?

While most neck strains take a few weeks to completely heal, symptoms tend to mostly go away in less than a week. In general, severe muscle strains tend to take closer to 12 weeks to heal, but these rarely occur in the neck without the involvement of a more serious injury.

How long does a stiff neck last?

A stiff neck may last a few days or even weeks but it usually heals quickly because of the durability of the cervical spine. Sometimes, something as simple as sleeping wrong can cause a stiff neck and occasionally a stiff neck can have more serious implications.

Why is my neck so stiff all of a sudden?

Any new physical activity involving the upper body, such as lifting or throwing an object, can also strain a muscle and cause a stiff neck. Sudden neck stiffness is often accompanied by some movement or position that it can be attributed to, but often not. It can be treated with an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen.

When to go to the doctor for a stiff neck?

If the stiff neck symptoms persist for more than a week then you may need medical attention and especially if there are also other symptoms mentioned above. Your physician may order an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan along with a physical examination to diagnose the cause of your stiff neck.

What is the best way to relieve a stiff neck?

The best way to relieve a stiff neck depends on the cause. When the stiffness is minor, some of the following home treatments may help: Applying an ice pack may help reduce swelling and numb pain. Using an ice pack can help relieve inflammation and swelling after a minor strain.