Neck pain (back of neck, not the front) must be further evaluated by a specialist with an MRI scan if accompanied by the following:
- following an injury (e.g. fall, accident, manipulation)
- following a cancer treatment
- following fever/chills/rigors with or without sore throat or difficulty in swallowing
- spreading of neck pain down your arm
- spreading of neck pain upwards with headache, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting
- "pins and needles" numbness in either one or both hands/fingers, or rest of your body
- unsteadiness or weakness in either one or both hands/fingers, or both legs (e.g. tendency to drop things, tendency to trip or lose balance)
- unremitting or worsening pain, day and night, after 2-3 weeks despite adequate neck rest/care and medications from your GP