What is neck pain?
A person with neck pain has discomfort in one of the structures of the neck. Neck pain may be caused by injury, inflammation, or infection.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?
Symptoms that may occur with neck pain include skin redness, neck tenderness, neck swelling, neck muscle spasm, and neck stiffness. Additional symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands in the neck, arm weakness, leg weakness, arm numbness, leg numbness, loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, and an inability to walk.

How does the doctor treat neck pain?
Treatment for neck pain depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include cold compresses, warm compresses, rest, oral fluids, antibiotics, a cervical collar, narcotic pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and surgery.