Differential Diagnosis for Neck Pain and Tightness
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is the most common cause of neck pain and tightness, often resulting from poor posture, overuse, or trauma.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cervical spondylosis: A condition characterized by wear and tear on the discs and joints in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Tension headache: A type of headache that can cause neck pain and tightness due to muscle tension.
- Herniated cervical disc: A condition where the disc between the vertebrae in the neck protrudes, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves and causing pain.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, including the neck.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cervical spine fracture: A fracture in one of the vertebrae in the neck, which can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord, which can result in permanent paralysis or death if not immediately addressed.
- Meningitis: An infection that inflames the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal if not quickly treated.
- Carotid artery dissection: A tear in the carotid artery, which can lead to a stroke if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and pain in the neck.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis that can cause the vertebrae in the neck to fuse together, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone in the neck, which can be serious if not properly treated.
- Multiple myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can cause bone pain, including in the neck.