Seek immediate medical attention for neck pain if it results from a severe injury like a car accident, diving incident, or fall, as these injuries often require urgent medical evaluation. In other cases where neck pain is not due to an injury, it's essential to contact an orthopaedic surgeon if you have chronic neck pain that persists despite trying pain relief medications or if it is accompanied by symptoms like headaches, numbness, weakness, or tingling, as these signs warrant a thorough medical evaluation and appropriate care.