- I am over the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you recall any specific trauma (e.g. car accident, fall, direct impact, etc.) that caused your neck / neck and arm pain symptoms to start?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you attend A&E or see your GP following this neck injury / trauma?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you had an x-ray or any other investigations for this neck trauma / injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of neck trauma.
Please visit the NHS 111 website for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upIs your neck pain constant (ALL of the time both night and day) AND worsening since it started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your back pain features
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upIs it extremely tender to press on one particular spot in the areas indicated by the dots in the photo?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of the features of your neck pain.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you ever been diagnosed with osteoporosis (softening / thinning of the bones)?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of the features of your neck pain and your history of osteoporosis.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you on long-term oral or inhaled steroid medication?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of the features of your neck pain and your long-term steroid use.
Please contact your GP for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have numbness, pins and needles or weakness in BOTH arms OR legs that is getting worse since your neck pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which could be an indicator of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC).
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
Please contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment.
Many people have a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily need urgent medical attention.
However, an uncommon but serious exception is a condition called degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). This is a progressive condition of the spine which involves compression of the spinal cord and can lead to permanent nerve damage, or disability, in some cases.
Because you have reported some of the symptoms which associated with DCM, it is important that you contact your GP practice to seek an urgent appointment, as early recognition and treatment can prevent further deterioration.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed a change in your ability to control your bladder or bowel motions which is getting worse since your neck pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which could be an indicator of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC).
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
Please contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment.
Many people have a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily need urgent medical attention.
However, an uncommon but serious exception is a condition called degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). This is a progressive condition of the spine which involves compression of the spinal cord and can lead to permanent nerve damage, or disability, in some cases.
Because you have reported some of the symptoms which associated with DCM, it is important that you contact your GP practice to seek an urgent appointment, as early recognition and treatment can prevent further deterioration.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed any recent problems with your balance, co-ordination or walking since your neck pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which could be an indicator of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC).
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
Please contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment.
Many people have a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily need urgent medical attention.
However, an uncommon but serious exception is a condition called degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). This is a progressive condition of the spine which involves compression of the spinal cord and can lead to permanent nerve damage, or disability, in some cases.
Because you have reported some of the symptoms which associated with DCM, it is important that you contact your GP practice to seek an urgent appointment, as early recognition and treatment can prevent further deterioration.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed any clumsiness or loss of dexterity in your hands since your neck pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which could be an indicator of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC).
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
- no
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
Please contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment.
Many people have a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily need urgent medical attention.
However, an uncommon but serious exception is a condition called degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). This is a progressive condition of the spine which involves compression of the spinal cord and can lead to permanent nerve damage, or disability, in some cases.
Because you have reported some of the symptoms which associated with DCM, it is important that you contact your GP practice to seek an urgent appointment, as early recognition and treatment can prevent further deterioration.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed any blurred vision, ringing in your ears or dizziness for longer than 48 hours since your neck pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms of new or worsening blurred vision, ringing in your ears or dizziness.
Many people experience a combination of neck pain, temporary visual changes, tinnitus or dizziness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily require urgent medical attention.
However, on rare occasions these symptoms can be a sign of a serious medical condition, especially if you are older, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or are feeling unwell.
As you have reported new symptoms associated with new neck pain, please contact NHS 111 immediately for further advice.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you developed headaches since your neck pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you developed severe headaches unlike any other since your neck pain started?
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed any drooping of an eye since your headache or neck pain started, as shown in this photo?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of back trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 immediately for further advice and guidance.
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which could be an indicator of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC).
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your back pain symptoms
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed a difference in the size of the pupils (the black centre point of your eyes) between your left and right eyes, as shown in this photo?
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed an absence of sweating on one side of your forehead or face?
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you had your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional since your headaches started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you noticed any pain or stiffness in BOTH shoulders AND/ OR hips, which started at the same time as your neck pain, and headaches which are worse in the morning for the first 45 minutes?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of back trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
Please inform the call handler that you have bilateral shoulder or hip pain, plus neck pain (with or without a headache).
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you have a fever around the time your neck pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which could be an indicator of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC).
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have ANY of the following symptoms?
- Confusion, slurred speech or difficulty making sense / being understood
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet)
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of the features of your neck pain and your history of osteoporosis.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which could be an indicator of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC).
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer.
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing an episode of acute low back pain.
Acute low back pain is very common and most people will experience an episode at least once in their lives. Although it can be very painful and cause distress, it is usually not a sign of a serious problem. Most periods of acute low back pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks.
Acute low back pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for acute low back pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, acute low back pain can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you been experiencing back pain for more than 3 months?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing persistent low back pain.
Persistent low back pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months and unfortunately is very common.
Most injured tissues (e.g. muscle strain or ligament sprain) heal within 6 to 8 weeks and persistent pain is a pain which has continued long after an injured tissue has healed. This type of pain is no longer an accurate reflection of ongoing injury or tissue damage and often is a result of a sensitised pain system.
Persistent pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for persistent low back pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing subacute low back pain.
Subacute low back pain is common, with around 8 out of 10 people experiencing it at some point in their lives.
Subacute low back pain is pain that lasts between 6 and 12 weeks, and although it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most episodes of low back pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks but around 2 in 10 people will experience continuing pain for up to 3 months.
This type of pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for subacute low back pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, subacute low back pain can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upWhere is your main pain?
- Neck pain only
- Neck and arm pain with neck pain worse
- Neck and arm pain with arm pain worse
- Arm pain only
- Neck pain only
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you been experiencing neck pain for less than 6 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid your neck pain start as a result of a car accident or other injury involving the jolting of the head forward and back?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing whiplash associated disorder or muscle pain following a vehicle accident.
Whiplash associated disorder is common, with about half of people involved in rear-end vehicle crashes experiencing some form of neck pain. Although it can be very painful and cause distress, it not usually a sign of a serious issue. Most episodes of whiplash improve within 2 to 6 weeks.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, whiplash associated disorder can develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with psychological factors. If you have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - like fear, worry or anxiety even when you are safe, flashbacks of the accident, bad dreams or you are avoiding driving or being in a car - then it is important to contact your GP practice as prolonged psychological distress can increase your risk of developing persistent pain.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing an episode of acute neck pain.
Acute neck pain is common, with around 7 in 10 people experiencing it at some point in their life. Although it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most episodes of acute neck pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, acute neck pain can get worse over time and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you been experiencing neck pain for more than 3 months?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing persistent neck pain
Persistent neck pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months, and unfortunately it is very common. Most injured tissues (muscle strains or ligament sprains) heal within 6 to 8 weeks and persistent pain is a pain which has continued long after an injured tissue has healed. This type of pain is no longer an accurate reflection of ongoing injury or tissue damage and often is a result of a sensitised pain system.
Persistent pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing subacute neck pain.
Neck pain is very common, with around 7 in 10 people experiencing it at some point in their lives. Although it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Subacute neck pain is pain that lasts between 6 and 12 weeks. Most episodes of acute neck pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks but around half of people will experience continuing pain for up to 3 months.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, subacute neck pain can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- Neck and or arm pain
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have any tingling, pins and needles or numbness in your arm or hand which began after your neck problem started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you still able to perform the test shown in this video, despite pain?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you still able to perform the test shown in this video, despite pain?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you still able to perform the test shown in this video, despite pain?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you still able to perform the test shown in this video, despite pain?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms of new or worsening weakness in your arm or hand, which came on with your neck pain.
Please contact your GP practice urgently for further advice and guidance.
Many people experience a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and slight weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily require urgent medical attention.
However, because you have reported significant weakness, this can be a sign of a condition called cervical radiculopathy (when the nerve is compressed and struggling to provide signal to your muscles).
It is important that you contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment as early assessment and treatment can lead to better recovery and outcomes.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms of new or worsening weakness in your arm or hand, which came on with your neck pain.
Please contact your GP practice urgently for further advice and guidance.
Many people experience a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and slight weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily require urgent medical attention.
However, because you have reported significant weakness, this can be a sign of a condition called cervical radiculopathy (when the nerve is compressed and struggling to provide signal to your muscles).
It is important that you contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment as early assessment and treatment can lead to better recovery and outcomes.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms of new or worsening weakness in your arm or hand, which came on with your neck pain.
Please contact your GP practice urgently for further advice and guidance.
Many people experience a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and slight weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily require urgent medical attention.
However, because you have reported significant weakness, this can be a sign of a condition called cervical radiculopathy (when the nerve is compressed and struggling to provide signal to your muscles).
It is important that you contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment as early assessment and treatment can lead to better recovery and outcomes.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms of new or worsening weakness in your arm or hand, which came on with your neck pain.
Please contact your GP practice urgently for further advice and guidance.
Many people experience a combination of neck pain, arm pain, numbness and slight weakness. These symptoms can be distressing but don't necessarily require urgent medical attention.
However, because you have reported significant weakness, this can be a sign of a condition called cervical radiculopathy (when the nerve is compressed and struggling to provide signal to your muscles).
It is important that you contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment as early assessment and treatment can lead to better recovery and outcomes.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have any weakness in your arms or hands since your neck problem started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your arm or hand pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing an episode of neck pain with referred nerve pain (radicular pain) in your arm or hand from your neck.
This kind of pain is common, with around 1 in 100 people experiencing it every year. Although it can be very painful and cause distress, it is not usually a sign of a serious problem. Most episodes of neck pain with referred nerve pain settle within 6 to 12 weeks.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Further information on managing back pain
Unfortunately, neck pain with referred nerve pain can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
If you have developed numbness or weakness in your arms or hands please contact your GP practice for further advice. This might involve an appointment with a first-contact physiotherapist.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your arm or hand pain worsen when performing this test?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your arm or hand pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes performing the test shown in this video recreate your arm or hand pain?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYour neck or shoulder symptoms could be a problem primarily coming from your shoulder.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes performing the test shown in this video recreate your arm or hand pain?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYour neck or shoulder symptoms could be a problem primarily coming from your shoulder.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid your neck pain start as a result of a car accident or other injury involving the jolting of your head forward and back?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing whiplash associated disorder or muscle pain following a vehicle accident.
Whiplash is common, with about half of people involved in rear-end vehicle crashes experiencing it in some form. Although it can be very painful and cause distress, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most episodes of whiplash improve within 2 to 6 weeks.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Further information on managing neck pain
Unfortunately, Whiplash can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with psychological factors. If you have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - like fear, worry or anxiety even when you are safe, flashbacks of the accident, bad dreams or you are avoiding driving or being in a car - then it is important to contact your GP practice as prolonged psychological distress can increase your risk of developing persistent pain.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you been experiencing symptoms for less than 6 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing an episode of acute neck pain.
Acute neck pain is common, with around 7 in 10 people experiencing it at some point in their life. Although it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most episodes of acute neck pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, acute neck pain can get worse over time and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you been experiencing back pain for more than 3 months?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing persistent neck pain
Persistent neck pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months, and unfortunately it is very common. Most injured tissues (muscle strains or ligament sprains) heal within 6 to 8 weeks and persistent pain is a pain which has continued long after an injured tissue has healed. This type of pain is no longer an accurate reflection of ongoing injury or tissue damage and often is a result of a sensitised pain system.
Persistent pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely to be experiencing subacute neck pain.
Neck pain is very common, with around 7 in 10 people experiencing it at some point in their lives. Although it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Subacute neck pain is pain that lasts between 6 and 12 weeks. Most episodes of acute neck pain settle within 2 to 6 weeks but around half of people will experience continuing pain for up to 3 months.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises for neck pain
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')Unfortunately, subacute neck pain can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upPlease check your blood pressure at home and enter your results (based on the average of three readings) on the NHS website.
Check your blood pressure reading
If you do not have access to a blood pressure cuff, call your GP or local pharmacy to arrange a test.
Long-term high blood pressure can cause headaches and serious health complications. After entering your results, you will be able to access further advice and guidance on your blood pressure and whether this requires medical management.
- Above 140 over 90
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of the features of your neck pain.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- Below 140 over 90
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
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