Neck Pain
What is it?
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Neck pain is very common and normally gets better over a few days or weeks.
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It can be caused by several different factors or a combination of factors.
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Although the pain may last longer than a few weeks, or may come and go, this does not mean your neck problem is serious.
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Neck pain is rarely due to serious disease or damage.
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The amount of pain felt is not related to the amount of damage.
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With the right information, support and treatment, most people can manage their own neck pain.
Typical Symptoms/features:
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Generalised pain to the neck. This can be only one side or both sides.
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May be an aching sensation across the top of the shoulder/s.
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Pain with neck movements e.g. turning the head or tilting ear across to shoulder.
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Pain is localised in the neck. It does not radiate down the arm or into the hand/fingers.
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May be aggravated by prolonged positions e.g. reading.
Management:
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Activity modification
- When you first start noticing pain, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle.
- However, there is strong evidence that says keeping active and slowly returning to your normal levels of activity can actually help the pain to settle quicker.
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Ice or heat.
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Pain relief.
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Orthotics.
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Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme.
Do I need imaging?
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Imaging (X-rays or scans) is not routinely required to diagnose neck pain.
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X-rays and scans are most appropriately used after a serious injury.
