Neck Pain

General Information

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Neck Pain

Alternatively visit our Pain, Shoulder Pain or Back Pain resource pages or Back to Resources Home

Neck pain is very common. Up to 80% of adults will experience neck pain at some point in their life.  Some people get it more often.  Even though it can hurt a lot, neck pain is usually not caused by anything serious.

What causes neck pain?

Some common causes of neck pain are:

  • muscle pain – this could be a sporting injury, following a car accident or work activities
  • age-related changes – also known as spondylosis.
  • sudden changes in activity levels – doing much more than usual or being much less active can cause pain
  • poor sleep, stress, feeling low or very tired can also make pain worse
  • spending long periods of time in one position – our bodies like to move, so being still for a long time can trigger pain

Sometimes, neck pain starts without a clear reason. Most neck pain improves within a few weeks. Scans are rarely needed and usually do not change treatment.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can be different for everyone, but can include:

  • pain or stiffness in the neck
  • difficulty turning your head or looking up or down
  • stiffness after long periods being still
  • pain spreading into the shoulders, upper back or down the arms
  • headaches that start from the neck

Pain can change from day to day. This is not a sign that you’re doing damage.

Self Help

Most new neck pain will improve within 6-8 weeks. Following some of these useful tips should help:

  • change your activity levels – we do not recommend complete rest but changing or slightly reducing your activity levels can help in the early stages
  • keep moving – short walks and gentle movement can help reduce stiffness
  • simple pain relief – ask a pharmacist or GP for advice first
  • stay at work or return as soon as you can – your employer or GP can help with adjustments
  • look after your sleep and stress levels – both can affect pain
  • try gentle exercises – moving regularly and doing simple exercises can help
  • use heat – a heat pack or hot water bottle can help reduce pain (don’t put it straight on your skin)

Should I refer myself to Physiotherapy?

You may benefit from physiotherapy if:

  • your pain is not improving after a few weeks
  • you are struggling to return to work or normal activities
  • you keep getting episodes of neck pain
  • you would like more advice on exercises and recovery

If you have tried the self-help measures on these pages and the symptoms have not settled, you can self-refer to MSK Physiotherapy if you live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.

For more information on how to self-refer to MSK Physiotherapy visit our Service Page.

When should I seek urgent medical advice?

Neck pain is rarely serious, however you should go to Accident & Emergency straight away if you suddenly develop:

  • weakness in your arms or legs
  • problems with your walking or balance e.g. tripping over, struggling to pick your feet up, or your legs feeling heavy
  • numbness affecting both arms or legs
  • clumsiness in your hands e.g. dropping things or struggling with coordination or finer tasks like handling small objects or doing up buttons
  • changes to bladder or bowel function e.g. going to the toilet more urgently, leaking before you reach the toilet, difficulty passing urine
  • neck pain with any of the following:
    • dizziness
    • changes to your vision
    • disturbances to your speech
    • difficulty chewing or swallowing
    • fainting or blacking out
    • nausea or vomiting
    • severe headaches
    • numbness or tingling in your face
    • drooping to your eyelid

Contact your GP or call 111 urgently if you have:

  • new, unexplained neck pain, accompanied by a history of any of the following
    • cancer
    • HIV
    • TB (Tuberculosis)
    • inflammatory arthritis
  • neck pain combined with any of the following
    • feeling unwell
    • a loss of appetite
    • fever
    • unexplained weight loss

night sweats

Remember

Most neck pain improves with time, movement and the right advice.  Staying active and confident in your movement helps your recovery.

Useful Resources

Advice and Information Leaflets

Leaflets:

Advice and Information Videos

Videos:

Exercises

Virtual Exercise Classes:

Urgent / Out of Hours Health Care

If in doubt which service is best for you, call 111 for advice or visit LLR ICB Urgent Health Care for more information.

Need information for a different body area?

Alternatively visit our Pain, Shoulder Pain or Back Pain resource pages or Back to Resources Home.

Back to MSK Service Page

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