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 your life.

Most neck pain clears up by itself in a few days. It’s very rarely a sign of something more serious.

What symptoms are related to neck pain?

Neck pain often causes tightness and pain in your:

• neck
• shoulders

Neck pain can also cause:

• headaches
• difficulty in moving your head

Your pain may get worse when you hold your head in one position for a long time, such as at a computer.

What causes neck pain?

Common causes of neck pain are:

• poor posture (the way your body is positioned when standing or sitting)
• sleeping with too many pillows
• prolonged use of a computer
• tension in your muscles
• injury such as a muscle strain
• wear and tear in the bones of your neck (cervical spondylosis)
• infection

Less common causes of neck pain are:

• damage to the vertebrae, spinal cord or nerves in your neck
• arthritis
• a slipped disc (herniated disc)
• a compressed nerve (cervical radiculopathy)
• tumours or cancer
• meningitis

When should I see my doctor?

You should see a doctor if your pain:

• is severe
• is getting worse
• doesn’t ease up in a week or so
• is causing you distress
• is affecting your daily life

You should also see your doctor 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
• numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
• feel light-headed, dizzy, or unbalanced
• struggling to concentrate
• bowel or bladder problems

How is the cause of neck pain diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and ask you about your pain. To diagnose a specific cause of your neck pain, they may arrange tests such as:

• an x-ray
• a CT scan
• an MRI

However, imaging is not needed for most people with neck pain.

How is neck pain treated?

If you have neck pain, the best things to do are to:

• keep gently moving your neck as much as possible
• adapt any activities that might be causing you pain

Your doctor or physiotherapist can give you simple set of exercises to help with neck pain.

Self-care at home

There are ways you can manage your neck pain yourself.

Using soft pillows or too many pillows can stretch your neck muscles. To avoid this, use a single pillow that is:

• comfortable
• supportive
• firm

Heat packs or ice packs may also be used to relieve neck stiffness and pain.

It’s also important to ensure your home and work environments are adjusted to your needs. You can:

• use a footstool to ensure your hips and knees are level
• adjust the height of your computer screen to avoid stretching your neck
• hold reading materials at eye level to avoid hunching over
• practice good posture while watching television

If you cannot fully move your neck left and right, your doctor may advise you not to drive until you have regained full neck movement.

If you can drive safely, adjust your headrest and seat so that your posture is properly supported.

If your neck pain lasts for a few days, you should also avoid tasks involving:

• lifting
• pulling
• punching
• repetitive bending and twisting

These activities can make your neck pain worse. Try not to overdo it.

Neck supports (braces and collars) are not considered useful for neck pain. These should only be used 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
• anti-inflammatory medicines, including analgesic creams or gels.

Long-term neck pain is sometimes treated with steroid injections.

Other treatment options

Your doctor or physiotherapist can show you how to safely stretch your neck muscles. Physiotherapy can help reduce how long your neck pain lasts.

Massaging your neck can give short-term relief of neck pain.

Very rarely, surgery is used to treat neck pain.

Can neck pain be prevented?

It’s important to keep good posture, especially when you’re sitting, at work or driving. Try not to slouch or to poke your chin out.

A supportive pillow is also important to prevent neck pain.

Complications of neck pain

Sometimes neck pain doesn’t go away.

Chronic or persistent pain can continue even after the original problem has healed. There are different factors that may contribute to your pain, such as:

• emotional factors
• social factors
• environmental factors

A doctor can help you recognise and manage these factors. If your neck pain is chronic or persistent, speak to your doctor.

Resources and support

For more information about the causes and management of neck pain, you can visit these websites:

• painHEALTH
• Musculoskeletal Australia
• Chronic Pain Australia

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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.