Neck Pain: Acute/Sub-Acute | Highly Morbid Causes

Red flags for cancer, fx, infxn, etc: onset sx > 50, unremitting pain, neuro deficits, doesn't improve w/rest, chronic steroid use, hx osteoporosis, fever, trauma, cancer, wt loss, > 6 weeks duration, in particular if progressive, change in quality/severity if chronic neck pain

Diagnosis

Neck Fracture
Cancer
Meningitis
Osteomyelitis
Epidural Abscess
Cervical Myelopathy