When is neck pain a cause for concern?

Neck pain (back of neck, not the front) must be further evaluated by a specialist with an MRI scan if accompanied by the following:

1. following an injury (e.g. fall, accident, manipulation)
2. following a cancer treatment
3. following fever/chills/rigors with or without sore throat or difficulty in swallowing
4. spreading of neck pain down your arm
5. spreading of neck pain upwards with headache, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting
6. "pins and needles" numbness in either one or both hands/fingers, or rest of your body
7. unsteadiness or weakness in either one or both hands/fingers, or both legs (e.g. tendency to drop things, tendency to trip or lose balance)
8. unremitting or worsening pain, day and night, after 2-3 weeks despite adequate neck rest/care and medications from your GP