A severe sensation of discomfort in the region of the neck and around the shoulders.
It can range from mild to acute and severe.
Neck pain is a serious problem that can limit your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Symptoms of Neck Pain
- Pain that is often worsened by holding the head in one place for long periods
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Decreased ability to move the head
- Headache
Along with neck pain, other symptoms may occur, such as weakness in your arm or hand, headaches, or pain that extends to your back.
Causes of Neck Pain
- Injury or trauma
- Stress
- Anxiety and worry
- Nerve compression
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Prolonged sitting hours at a computer work desk
- Whiplash injuries (Neck strain)
Diagnosis of Neck Pain
Your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam.
Blood tests provide evidence of inflammation or infections that might be causing neck pain.
Imaging Tests
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI
- Electromyography (EMG)
Prevention of Neck Pain
In most cases, neck pain is associated with poor posture and age-related wear and tear.
Tips that may help to prevent neck pain include:
- Use good posture
- Take frequent breaks from sitting for long periods of time; get up, move around, and stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Adjust your chair, desk, and computer, so the monitor is at eye level.
- Quit smoking, as it can increase the risk of developing neck pain.
- Avoid putting strain on your shoulders by carrying heavy bags with straps.
- Sleep in a healthy position
Treatment for Neck Pain
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (electrical impulses that may relieve pain)
- Soft neck collar (takes the pressure off the neck)
- Steroid injections
- Surgery (rare cases)
Physiotherapy for Neck Pain
Chin Tucks
- Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed.
- Gently tuck your chin in towards your chest, keeping your head level.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10 times.
Shoulder Blade Squeezes
- Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if trying to hold a pencil between them.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10 times.
Neck Rotations
- Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed.
- Turn your head to the left as far as possible, then hold for 5 seconds.
- Return to the center, turn your head to the right, and hold for 5 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times.
Neck Flexion and Extension
- Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed.
- Gently tilt your head forward, bringing your chin towards your chest.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly raise your head back up.
- Then, gently tilt your head back, looking up towards the ceiling.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly lower your head back down. Repeat 10 times.