What Causes Intermittent Pain At The Base Of Neck?

Posted on Fri, 4 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For a couple of weeks now, I've been having occasional intermittent pain down at the base of my neck by my collarbone. It occurs on both sides but not at the same time. It seems to get better or go away when I apply pressure to it. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Spine issue in the cervical area.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Such pain is usually caused by spine issue in the cervical area. It should not be the reason to concern.
However if you have also some dizziness or hands tingling, pain, there might be spinal cord compression which should be operated.
If you have any of this symptoms, spine MRI should be done and neurosurgeon visited.

Otherwise you may try physical therapy at first. Pool swimming or massage should help.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar