Neck Pain

Neck pain is common. About 2 in 3 people have an episode of neck pain at some time in their life.

There can be reduced movement of the neck and moving it may makes the pain worse. Neck pain may spread to the shoulder and sometimes spreads down an arm, occasionally to the fingers. 'pins and needles' may possibly develop in part of the arm or hand. Neck pain can also travel up the neck to the skull and often cause headaches.

Causes of neck pain include:

  1. bending for prolonged periods
  2. twisting
  3. unsuitable posture while working eg using computer to one side
  4. prolonged periods of time sitting in one place
  5. traumatic accidents eg whiplash
  6. sports injuries

Types of neck pain include:

Strains and Sprains

This is the most common type. Minor strains and sprains to muscles or ligaments in the neck can cause what is called 'mechanical' neck pain. Often the origin of the pain and exact cause is unknown. Bad posture may be part of the cause. Such as, people who bend their neck for much of their working day, either looking down at a desk, or looking at a computer screen.

Whiplash jolt to the neck

Whiplash is most commonly due to a car crash, but can also have other causes, such as fairground rides or being unexpectedly pushed. It causes a sudden abnormal movement through the neck which can tear or strain the tissues and misalign the vertebrae.

Degeneration (wear and tear)

Degeneration may refer to the vertebrae or discs in the neck. This is sometimes called cervical spondylosis. It can be the cause of chronic neck pain. However, most people over the age of 50 have some degree of degeneration (spondylosis) without getting neck pain.

Facet joint syndrome

Facet joint syndrome can cause pain in one side of the neck. This can happen because of an injury, such as whiplash.

The facet joints connect the vertebrae and allow movement between each vertebra so that turning the head is possible.

Facet joint syndrome causes pain and stiffness in the neck, making it difficult to look or turn to the left or right, there may also be muscle spasms causing sudden pain.

Facet syndrome in the neck is able to cause neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches.