Neck pain

Acute neck pain is very common. When it occurs, it is usually not cause for concern.

It is often caused by muscle tension, for example, as a result of a draft, spending long hours sitting at a computer, or sleeping in certain positions. Often, however, the precise cause remains unclear.

Acute neck pain normally goes away within one to two weeks. Some people experience recurring neck pain after certain activities that cause strain on their neck, e.g., work or intensive sports or exercise.

If the pain lasts longer than three months, it is referred to as chronic neck pain. Chronic neck pain is frequently related to emotional strain and mental stress.

In fact, it is usually important to try to keep moving and going about one’s daily life as normal despite the neck pain. Neck pain can be avoided by means of targeted training of the neck muscles.

There are, essentially, two different types of neck pain:

• Axial pain primarily occurs around the cervical vertebrae (i.e., the spinal vertebrae in the neck). Occasionally, however, it may extend as far as the shoulders.
• Radicular pain radiates along the nerve pathways, e.g., into the back of the head or the arm. This type of pain is usually triggered by irritated nerves, e.g., if a disk in the cervical spine (the portion of the spine within the neck) presses on a nerve. This may also affect the arm’s reflexes and muscle strength, or lead to a tingling sensation.

It is only in very rare cases that neck pain indicates a serious condition or needs to be treated as an emergency. However, a doctor should be consulted immediately in the case of:

• a prior accident
• it no longer being possible to bend the head to the chest (stiff neck)
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or sensitivity to light
• a persistently severe level of pain, both while moving and at rest
• unexplained loss of weight, fever, or chills
• nerve disturbances, signs of paralysis, or difficulty moving an arm or finger

A doctor should also be consulted if

• a tingling sensation persists for an extended period
• the hands or legs frequently become numb (“pins and needles”)
• the legs are weakened
• difficulties with balance occur when walking

There are many possible causes of neck pain. These include:

• Weak neck muscles and excessive strain: for example, sitting at a desk for an extended period can cause pain and stiffness in the neck or shoulders, and sometimes also headaches.
• Wear and tear on the spine: the spine is subjected to normal wear and tear over the course of a lifetime. As a result, the spinal disks become thinner. Small bony projections may also occur on the edges of the vertebral bodies (i.e., the main parts of the vertebrae).
• Whiplash: This type of injury can occur, for example, as a result of a car accident involving a rear-end collision.
• Narrowing of the vertebral canal or a slipped disk: If the vertebral canal becomes narrower, it may cause neck pain that radiates into the shoulders or arm. The same symptom can occur as a result of a bulging or herniated (ruptured) spinal disk that presses on a nerve root.

A slipped disk can cause neck pain but does not always do so.

Neck pain may also occur as an accompanying symptom of inflammatory diseases of the spine, mandibular joint problems, or severe headache.

Often, it is not easy to pinpoint the precise cause of neck pain. This is because the bones, ligaments, and nerves in the cervical spine are located so closely together that it is usually unclear where exactly the pain originated. 

Neck pain is very common. It is estimated that one third of all adults experience neck pain on average once a year. Neck pain is more common in women than in men. In most cases, neck pain is harmless and resolves by itself after a short period. However, some people experience recurring neck pain.

In general, older people are at greater risk of suffering more long-term neck pain. In addition, people with back pain or a slipped disk tend to experience more persistent neck pain.

The length of time that neck pain may persist after a whiplash injury depends, for example, on the force of the impact. Individuals who are psychologically affected by an accident or are very worried about its consequences often suffer more severe pain for longer periods.

The doctor will begin by asking for some background information, such as whether the person has had a prior accident, where exactly the pain is located, and whether any specific stresses or strains could have a role to play.

Next, a physical examination serves to rule out any serious causes. The doctor palpates (feels) the front and back of the neck, and checks reflexes and head mobility. Muscle strength in the arms and shoulders is also examined.

If these indications are not present, X-rays or other imaging techniques are not normally useful. For one thing, the images won’t allow any reliable conclusions to be drawn: many people have visible signs of wear and tear on their cervical spines but don’t have any pain. Meanwhile, there are often no changes or very slight changes to be seen in people experiencing neck pain.

Most treatments for neck pain have not been studied in sufficient detail for their effectiveness to be evaluated. People can try applying heat to the painful area, e.g., using a hot water bottle or heated pillow, to see if it relieves the pain. Other options include stretching and strengthening exercises, massages, or painkilling medication.

More detailed information about treating neck pain can be found at gesundheitsinformation.de.

Surgery is not normally beneficial if the pain is caused by a slipped disc as this issue usually resolves itself. In addition, surgery in the area of the cervical spine is associated with risks. Therefore, it is important to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of any procedure before making a decision.

For severe, chronic neck pain, patients may benefit from pain management therapy. This type of treatment is offered by psychotherapists specializing in this area. Pain management therapy can help people deal with pain so that it does not affect them as much.