For sometime now a severe sharp pain hits me in the top of my neck, it makes me stop doing what i am doing immediately. what could be causing that pain?

You are describing one of the kinds of problems that could be a lot of things! Let me try to give you a few thoughts and then a suggestion.

Quick pains, lasting a matter of seconds, are often due to muscle spasms. Also, if you can touch the painful area that suggests that the pain is coming from the muscles or the spine. You might freeze your position for a few moments the next time the pain occurs and see what position your neck and head are in. You may be able to identify a pattern of what is triggering the pain. For example, working with your head bent forward may put some strain on the neck muscles. This may happen if someone is doing a lot of desk work or is using a computer a lot that is not set up correctly.

Sometimes pain may be related to a poor sleeping position, which puts a strain on the neck muscles. There are neck pillows that provide additional support under the neck and put the head in a better position for the muscles to relax.

Patients with neck pain are often concerned that this may be a sign of an impending stroke. Fortunately, episodes of severe neck pain would rarely be related to a problem in the brain itself.

To answer this type of question, a physician would need a lot more information and would then need to examine you. Your age, general health, types of physical activity, any history of injury or perhaps surgery in this area would be very relevant. Equally important is the “character” of the pain including what it feels like, the severity, how long it lasts, what triggers the pain and what seems to help it, if anything.

If the neck problem persists or gets worse, my suggestion would be to check in with your physician. He or she will probably ask you for more information and then examine your neck. Based on your history and exam, your physician will be able to give you a good idea of the cause and the best way to deal with it.

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Joshua Rassen

-- Joshua Rassen, MD, is a board-certified internist and geriatrician in northern California. He has a private practice in geriatrics and internal medicine and is the Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at California Pacific Medical Center.

First published March 30, 2005
Copyright © 2005 Consumer Health Interactive