CERVICAL
Pain in the neck and shoulder that varies in intensity, and may feel achy or like an electric shock from the neck to the arm.
SELF-TREATMENT
Alternating an ice pack with heat, several times a day for 30 minutes, gentle stretching and massage may help to relieve neck pain. Gentle exercise and good posture may also help to prevent it. Pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may also be useful.
SEEKING MEDICAL CARE
- See a doctor immediately if you:
- Experience pain after trauma or injury
- Feel weakness in an arm or leg
- Have trouble walking
- Develop a high fever
- Have neck stiffness
Make an appointment to see a doctor if you:
- Have headache, numbness or tingling
- Feel pain that lasts for several weeks
- Notice symptoms getting worse despite self-treatment
- Experience pain that radiates down one or both arms or legs