When should I seek medical care for my neck pain?

Neck pain is common and affects most people at some point in their lives. Generally, this pain responds to at-home treatment like applying heat and cold, taking NSAIDs, and improving posture. You should seek medical care for your neck pain if it persists for several weeks without improving, or if you have additional symptoms like fever, nausea, weight loss, or if tapping your neck causes pain.