Bones, joints and muscles
Neck pain
Also called neck pain, gardan dard, cervical pain, stiff neck, gardan me dard
What this means
Neck pain is often due to posture, muscle strain or wear of the neck bones. It usually settles with simple care, though certain features need prompt attention.
Safe to do at home
- Maintain good posture, especially while using phones and screens
- Take regular breaks from long sitting
- Use a warm compress for stiffness
- Do gentle neck stretches
Please do not do this alone
- Do not crack or jerk the neck forcefully
- Do not get untrained neck manipulation done
- Do not ignore neck pain with arm weakness or numbness
Book a consultation if
- Neck pain lasts more than a week or keeps returning
- Pain or numbness spreads to the arm or hand
- Pain follows an injury
Get help immediately if
- A stiff neck with high fever, severe headache and sensitivity to light
- Neck pain after a serious injury or fall
- Neck pain with weakness in the arms or legs
The right doctor for this
Orthopedician (Bone and Joint Specialist)
This is the specialist who sees this symptom most often and can examine you properly. If you are not sure, a general physician is always a safe place to start and will refer you onward if you need it.
