There are several signs that indicate neck pain is cause for concern and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible, including: • Pain that lasts longer than two weeks • Pain that is severe and limits mobility • Pain does not improve or gets worse • Light tapping on the neck is painful • Weight loss without dieting • Unknown fever and/or chills • Symptoms of meningitis, such as: • A fierce headache • An inability to bend the head forward • Fever • Altered mental state • Severe, novel pain (throbbing or constrictive) • Possible spinal cord damage in the neck: • Poor hand coordination • Weakness • Feelings of heaviness • Atrophy • Diffuse numbness • Shooting pains in the limbs • An awkward gait • Unexplained episodes of dizziness or nausea & vomiting • Neck pain caused by autoimmune disease, including: • A family history of autoimmune disease • Gradual but progressive increase in symptoms • Marked morning stiffness • Pain in joints and lower back • Rashes • Difficulty digesting • Irritated eyes • Discharge from the urethra