Symptoms

Characteristics of neck pain include:

• Pain that occurs from the bottom of your head to the top of your shoulders. Pain may spread to the upper back or arms.
• Pain that is worse with movement.
• Limited head and neck movement. The neck may be stiff or tender.
• Headaches. These are common and may persist for months.

Nerve-related symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord include:

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
• A burning feeling when touched on the skin of the arm or hand.
• A pain that feels like a shock and extends into the arm or hand.
• Leg numbness or weakness, and loss of the ability to control urination (bladder control) or bowel movements. This occurs when there is considerable pressure or injury to the spinal cord.

If your neck pain is long-lasting (chronic), it may be difficult to cope with daily life. Common side effects of chronic pain include fatigue, depression, and anxiety. For more information, see the topic Chronic Pain.