Symptoms such as limited mobility, stabbing or probing pain, or even just a pulling sensation in the neck accompanied by headaches, are the most common signs of neck pain. Symptoms that occur individually, such as a stiff neck caused by drafts, are generally uncomfortable, but not cause for alarm. However, other symptoms such as tension headaches, muscular tinnitus or recurring dizziness can also limit the quality of life in the long term. We should be aware that even occasional neck pain is a warning signal. Acute pain can turn into chronic pain on neck and shoulders, which can lead to secondary conditions if we ignore the initial neck and shoulder problems.

We should by no means ignore these symptoms: If neck pain and stiffness accompany fever, cramps, severe headache, paralysis, nausea, sensitivity to light, drowsiness or loss of consciousness, an emergency doctor should be contacted immediately. This could be a life-threatening condition such as meningitis, a heart attack or a brain hemorrhage.

We talk about acute neck pain when the complaints do not last longer than two weeks. Subacute neck pain can drag on for four weeks. If the symptoms last longer than six weeks, they are considered chronic neck pain. Pain in the neck and shoulders that flares up again and again after longer breaks (freedom from pain of at least one month) is called recurrent (relapsing) pain.

While acute neck pain is harmless in most cases, chronic neck pain can indicate physical signs of wear and tear that can result in secondary symptoms such as migraine, slipped discs, inflammation in the shoulder joints and breathing issues.

Who can diagnose neck pain?

If neck complaints flare up repeatedly or are even chronic, medical advice should definitely be sought. First of all, the family doctor’s practice can give an initial assessment of the complaints and, if necessary, arrange for a referral to other specialists. Specialized in diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system, orthopedicc doctors can diagnose a possible physical cause for neck complaints, also with the help of imaging procedures such as X-rays, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It should be clarified whether the complaints in the neck or shoulder area are triggered by an isolated cause - or whether they occur as a concomitant of another illness or after an accident. If typical physical factors such as muscle tension or changes in the skeleton can be ruled out for neck pain, possible neurological or organ-related causes should be clarified. This also applies to neck pain accompanied by numbness and tingling in the arms or other neurological complaints. Neurologists and internists are the right people to talk to about this.
Often, neck pain is also triggered or exacerbated by psychological factors such as stress, fear, excessive demands, lack of sleep or depression. Because when a person is under pressure or suffering, this also has the effect of a tense posture, in which the front and back muscles of the neck are often tense and the shoulders are pulled up. If psychological factors are suspected, psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists can help.
Other experts who can identify the cause and triggers of neck pain and treat it professionally include physiotherapists (e.g., osteopaths and chiropractors), acupuncturists and masseurs.