Differential Diagnosis for Neck Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is the most common cause of neck pain, often resulting from poor posture, overuse, or trauma. It is likely due to the frequent use and mobility of the neck, making it prone to strains and sprains.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical spondylosis: A common condition characterized by wear and tear on the discs and joints in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Herniated cervical disc: A condition where the disc between the vertebrae in the neck protrudes, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves and causing pain.
- Tension headache: A type of headache that can cause neck pain, often related to stress, poor posture, or muscle tension.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, including the neck, as well as fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cervical spine fracture: A potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention, often resulting from trauma or osteoporosis.
- Spinal cord injury: A serious condition that can result from trauma, infection, or other causes, leading to numbness, weakness, or paralysis.
- Meningitis: An infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause neck pain and stiffness, as well as fever and headache.
- Cancer: Although rare, cancer can cause neck pain, particularly if it involves the spine, lymph nodes, or other tissues in the neck.
Rare Diagnoses
- Temporal arteritis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which can cause neck pain, as well as headache and visual disturbances.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica: A condition characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, often affecting the neck and shoulders.
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause neck pain, as well as fever and swelling.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A genetic disorder that can cause neck pain, as well as joint hypermobility and skin hyperextensibility.