Not just another pain in the neck.

A 56-year-old man presents to the emergency department with complaints of neck pain with numbness to the right upper extremity. The complaints and symptoms initially appear to be cervical radiculopathy but further diagnostic testing during an inpatient hospitalization revealed an unusual diagnosis. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to practitioners of the alternative and sometimes rare diagnosis of neck pain. A detailed history and physical examination accompanied with diagnostic testing and collaboration can ensure a definitive diagnosis and positive outcome.