Neck & Upper Back Pain

Signs & Symptoms 

 

• Dull, burning or sharp pain

• May occur at a single point or over a broader area

• Have a rapid onset or gradually worsen over a longer period of time

• May be constant or intermittent

• Can be triggered or worsened by injury, physical exertion, poor posture or stress

• Occur in conjunction with muscle tightness, spasms, stiffness or weakness

• Decreased range of motion of stiffness in the neck

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Tenderness on palpation of the area

• Headaches

• Dizziness when looking up/turning head (due to pinching of vertebral arteries)

• Numbness or tingling extending into limbs

• Pain that extends into the shoulders, arms or chest  

• Difficulty sleeping, which can lead to fatigue and depressed mood

• Crepitus (clicking/grating sounds as you move your head)

• Decrease range of motion

• Loss of bowel or bladder control in severe cases

• Difficulty walking due to pain

 

References 

 

Back pain - symptoms. Mayo Clinic. (2016). Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/basics/symptoms/con-20020797