Neck injury
Neck injury
A neck injury can happen from something small, like a strained muscle, or something bigger, like a fall from a height. If you have had a neck injury, you may have hurt your head too.
Read more about Minor head injuries or Severe head injuries
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
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
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
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
Treatment
Treating a neck injury
Most people who experience a minor neck injury are able to manage their symptoms at home. There are a number of things you can do to help manage it.
More information on how you can manage neck problems.
Whiplash
Read information for people who’ve been diagnosed with whiplash.
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.