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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 lives. Show
Most neck pain clears up by itself in a few days. It is very rarely a sign of something more serious. What symptoms relate to neck pain?Neck pain often spreads from the neck towards the shoulders or upper back. It can often cause headaches. The pain may be worse when you hold your head in one position for a long time, such as at a computer. Neck pain might also come with muscle tightness or spasms. You also may not be able to move your head very well. If you have a neck injury, you might also have:
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use our neck pain and stiffness Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. What causes neck pain?Common causes of neck pain include:
Rarer causes of neck pain include:
When should I see my doctor?You should see a doctor if:
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — Our Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. How is neck pain diagnosed?Your doctor will examine you and discuss what makes the pain worse or better. If they think there may be a more serious cause of your neck pain, they may order tests such as:
However, usually these tests aren’t recommended because they won’t change how your neck pain is treated. How is neck pain treated?The best ways to treat most neck pain are to:
Heat packs or ice packs may also be used to relieve neck stiffness and pain. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist what over-the-counter painkillers they recommend. They may suggest an anti-inflammatory analgesic cream or gel. Manipulating or massaging your neck can give short-term relief. Some physical therapies such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy or acupuncture may be helpful. It might be helpful to rest your neck at first, but don’t rest it for too long. If you don’t move, the muscles will get stiffer. This means the pain will take longer to go away. It’s better to gently stretch the neck muscles. Your doctor or physiotherapist can show you how to do this gently and safely. If your neck pain doesn’t go away, your doctor will investigate the cause. Serious, long-term neck pain is sometimes treated with steroid injections or, very rarely, surgery. There are ways you can manage your neck pain:
Can neck pain be prevented?The best way to prevent neck pain is to keep your spine flexible and your muscles strong. You can do this with regular exercise — 30 minutes on most days. Make sure you take plenty of breaks throughout the day to stretch. It’s important to develop 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 painSometimes pain doesn’t go away. Chronic or persistent pain can continue even after the original problem has healed. If this happens, you may need help to address emotional, social and environmental factors that may be contributing to your pain. Speak to your doctor if you experience chronic or persistent pain. Resources and supportThese websites provide more detailed information about the causes and management of neck pain.
Can stiff neck cause pain in back of head?A cervicogenic headache is an example of referred pain. It's a pain in the neck that you feel in your head. People often develop cervicogenic headaches after an injury that causes whiplash or as a result of a pinched nerve in the neck. Arthritis, neck sprains or a neck fracture can also lead to cervicogenic headaches.
What causes pain at the back of the head and neck?Occipital Neuralgia is a condition in which the occipital nerves, the nerves that run through the scalp, are injured or inflamed. This causes headaches that feel like severe piercing, throbbing or shock-like pain in the upper neck, back of the head or behind the ears.
When should I be concerned about neck and head pain?Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.
When should I worry about a stiff neck?A stiff neck is generally not a cause for alarm. However, see a doctor if: The stiffness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, a headache, or irritability. The stiffness does not go away within a few days and after trying home treatments such as NSAIDs and gentle stretching.
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