Neck Pain: Overview of Causes & Treatments

Neck pain is increasing affecting populations in the western world and can be quite debilitating, leading to lost work days and quality of life.
 
Neck pain can stem from a number of causes which require different treatments. It can also come together with shoulder, upper back pain and lower back pain. Here are some common recognised causes of neck pain:
  • Poor sleeping posture or poor posture generally
  • Wrong pillow
  • Whiplash/Neck injury
  • Neck strain /sprain
  • Habitual muscular tension in the neck
  • Neck muscle spasm
  • Neck ligament disorder
  • Head injury
  • Prolapsed or herniated cervical disc 
  • Arthritis
  • Infection
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Cervical spine tumor    
Neck Pain treatments which can address pain symptoms in the short term very much depend on the underlying cause, but can include ice packs (particularly where injury is involved), stretching, massage therapy, neck manipulation or anti inflammatory medication.
 
Neck pain related to habitual muscular tension or poor posture often requires a longer term approach aimed at undoing patterns of muscular tension or bad postural habits. Habitual muscular tension can often stay in the body (even during sleep) and require some time and attention to "unlock". Treatment can include changing your work environments (eg increasing the height of computer screens, changing chairs, stress management in the doing of work tasks) and also at the same time having what are often referred to as “somatic therapies”. These therapies are aimed at un-doing unhelpful muscular patterns and habits and re-educating the body. There are various of these therapies available including Yoga, Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique.
 
Whiplash injury occurs when an injury causes rapid movement of head and neck, resulting in trauma to neck muscles and ligaments. The sort of neck injury causing whiplash often arises from rear end car collisions. The most common symptoms of whiplash include pain, stiffness of the neck, back pain and headaches. Other symptoms may include pain, numbness or tingling in the arms; as well as shoulder pain, muscle spasms, dizziness, vision problems, memory loss and an inability to concentrate Whiplash is a very treatable injury. Treatments range from wearing a cervical collar, to heat and physical therapy.
 
Surgery may also be a treatment for certain neck pain conditions, however, this is often considered a last resort and extensive opinions (including second opinions) from health care professionals are often sought before such a step.