Neck injury

Phone 999 if you or someone else has a neck injury and:

• is unresponsive
• has severe neck pain or cannot move their head
• has fallen from a height, like 5 or more stairs

Go to A&E if you or someone else has a neck injury and:

• is intoxicated due to alcohol or recreational drugs
• they are a child or vulnerable person with a neck injury that wasn’t accidental, for example if someone else has hurt them on purpose

Find your nearest A&E

Call 111 if:

You have experienced a neck injury and new onset or significant worsening of the following symptoms:

• severe neck pain
• a history of spinal problems like osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis
• changes to bladder and bowel function e.g. urgency, frequency, difficulty passing urine, leaking, incontinence
• changes to feeling around the bottom and/or genitals or sexual dysfunction e.g. recent inability to have an orgasm or erection
• numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
• clumsy hands e.g. dropping things, struggling with handwriting, buttons or zips
• you also feel generally unwell