Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for neck pain.
The neck has many parts including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Vertebrae, the bones in the spine, start at the base of the skull and extend down the back of the neck. There are discs between the vertebrae to cushion the bones. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons help hold the spine in place and let you move your neck. The spinal cord starts at the base of the brain and extends down the back. It is protected by the vertebrae. Smaller nerves travel from the spinal cord to the muscles and skin.
Neck pain is usually caused by an injury to a ligament, tendon, muscle, or nerve. The doctors think your neck pain is likely not caused by something dangerous.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●If you were given a neck brace or cushion, wear it as instructed. If the doctor told you to, start doing gentle neck stretches in a few days.
●For the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury, ice can help with pain:
•Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Use ice every 1 to 2 hours for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
●After that, heat can help with pain:
•Put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on, since this can cause burns. You can also take a hot shower or bath.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). Acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) can also help relieve pain.
●Try to practice good posture to avoid putting strain on your neck.
•Sit up straight, and keep your shoulders back. Avoid sitting in the same position for too long, and avoid carrying heavy things.
•Avoid holding or positioning screens so you are looking down.
•When you sleep, try to keep your neck in line with the rest of your body.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your neck becomes stiff and hard to move, and you are feeling sick or develop a fever or chills.
●Return to the ED if:
•You have new numbness or weakness in 1 of your arms.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You still have bad pain after taking pain medicines.
●Your symptoms are getting worse and are so severe you cannot do normal activities (such as dress or eat).
●Your hand or arm is swollen.
●Your arm is numb or tingly.
●You lose control of your bladder or bowels.
●The pain does not get better after 1 week of home treatment.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Neck pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical collars for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical collars for children (The Basics)
