What Could Cause Chest Pain That Radiates to the Neck?

When you feel chest pain that spreads up to your neck, one possibility is that the heart is having a hard time getting enough blood, which is common in conditions like a heart attack. The nerves from your heart share pathways with those in your neck, which is why the pain can travel there. This is a medical emergency. However, not all chest pain that goes to the neck is from the heart. Sometimes, the pain can come from the cervical spine (the neck area) itself. In a condition called cervical angina, problems in the neck, like nerve irritation or muscle strain, can mimic heart pain and cause discomfort in both the chest and neck. Because these conditions can feel very similar, doctors usually look at the overall picture—that includes other symptoms and tests—to figure out exactly what is causing the pain. Since these can be critical conditions, it is important to err on the side of caution and get checked out. If you experience chest pain that radiates to your neck, it is important to see a healthcare professional to determine the cause and get the right care promptly.