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Neck pain
9-minute read
Key facts
- Neck pain is a common condition that usually clears up in a few weeks.
- Sometimes neck pain can be caused by a serious condition that needs urgent medical care.
- Medicines and other treatments like physiotherapy can be used to treat neck pain.
- There are ways you can treat and prevent non-serious neck pain at home.
- If you have severe neck pain or pain that doesn't go away, speak to your doctor.
What is neck pain?
Neck pain is a common condition that can be caused by many different things. It will affect most people at some point in their life.
Most neck pain clears up by itself in a few weeks. It's rarely a sign of something more serious.
Neck pain causes pain or tightness in your neck and sometimes in your shoulders. It can also cause headaches and difficulty moving your head.
Sometimes neck pain can be caused by a serious condition that needs urgent medical care.
If you or someone near you has sudden severe neck pain or if neck pain happens after a traumatic accident, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes neck pain?
Common causes of neck pain are:
- poor posture (the way your body is positioned when standing or sitting)
- sleeping with the wrong type of pillow for you
- using a computer for long periods without a break
- injury, such as a muscle sprain or strain
- wear and tear in the bones of your neck (cervical spondylosis)
- trauma that damages the vertebrae (neck bones), spinal cord or nerves in your neck
- stress and anxiety
Serious causes of neck pain include:
- autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis
- infections, such as osteomyelitis or meningitis
- osteoporosis or osteoarthritis
- a compressed nerve (cervical radiculopathy)
- a slipped disc (herniated disc)
- tumours or cancer
When should I call an ambulance or seek urgent care?
If you or someone near you has neck pain after a traumatic accident, or you have neck pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
You should seek urgent care if your neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms like:
- fever, sweats or chills
- changes to your vision or hearing
- pins and needles or numbness
- weakness in your arms or legs
- feeling light-headed, dizzy, or unbalanced
- struggling to concentrate or feeling confused
- bowel or bladder problems
When should I see my doctor?
You should see a doctor if your pain:
- is severe
- is getting worse
- doesn't ease in a few weeks
- is causing you distress
- is affecting your daily life
Investigating the cause of neck pain
Your doctor will examine you and ask you about your symptoms and pain. To diagnose a specific cause of your neck pain, they may arrange tests such as:
- blood tests
- an x-ray
- a computed tomography (CT) scan
- a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- a lumbar puncture
Imaging is not needed for most people with neck pain.
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How is neck pain treated?
If you have neck pain, try to stay active and keep moving your neck naturally and gently, unless the pain was caused by an injury or accident. Do not do anything that causes you pain.
Self-care at home
Your doctor or physiotherapist can give you a simple set of exercises to help with neck pain.
Heat packs or ice packs may also be used to relieve neck stiffness and pain.
Neck supports (braces and collars) are not considered useful for neck pain. These should only be used for a short time and only if your healthcare professional has advised you to wear one.
Medicines for neck pain
You can ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend over-the-counter pain relief medicines. They may suggest paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines, including creams or gels.
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Other treatment options
Treatment from a physiotherapist may help you recover more quickly. They may be able to massage your neck or provide other treatment to give you short-term relief of neck pain.
Your doctor may discuss steroid injections, which are recommended for long-term neck pain in some situations.
Occasionally, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat neck pain.
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What are the complications of neck pain?
Most neck pain improves within a few weeks. However, if it lasts a long time or is caused by an underlying condition, it can interfere with your daily activities, sleep, work and quality of life. Ongoing pain may also affect your mental wellbeing.
If neck pain is caused by compression of a nerve or the spinal cord, delaying treatment may lead to ongoing numbness, weakness or, in rare cases, permanent nerve damage.
Serious underlying conditions, such as infection, fracture or cancer, can also cause complications if not treated promptly.
Early assessment and treatment may help reduce the chance of long-term complications. If your neck pain is chronic or persistent, speak to your doctor.
Can neck pain be prevented?
Regular movement and exercise can help prevent neck pain.
It's important to keep good posture, whether you spend long periods sitting, standing, driving or doing physical work. Try not to slouch or push your chin forward.
Here are some things you can do to help reduce your chance of neck pain at work and home:
- Change your position regularly and avoid standing or sitting in one position for too long.
- Take regular breaks to stretch and move around.
- Use a footstool to help keep your hips and knees level.
- Adjust your workstation so your screen is at eye level, especially if you work at a desk.
- Use safe lifting techniques and avoid carrying heavy loads on one shoulder.
- Adjust your vehicle seat and headrest so your head and neck are well supported if you drive for long periods.
If your neck pain affects your ability to turn your head or drive safely, ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to drive.
Using a pillow that keeps your head and neck in their natural position while you sleep (not too high) will help to prevent neck pain. Use a supportive pillow that is comfortable for you.
Stress and anxiety can also trigger neck pain. For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
Resources and support
For more information about the causes and management of neck pain, visit:
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Languages other than English
The Agency for Clinical Innovation has information about pain management in a range of languages.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Pain Management Network has pain management resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or affiliate near you.