
Manipulating or massaging your neck can give short-term relief. They may suggest an anti-inflammatory analgesic cream or gel. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist what over-the-counter painkillers they recommend. Heat packs or ice packs may also be used to relieve neck stiffness and pain.

adapt any activities that might be causing your pain.keep moving your neck as much as possible.The best ways to treat most neck pain are to: However, usually these tests aren’t recommended because they won’t change how your neck pain is treated. If they think there may be a more serious cause of your neck pain, they may order tests such as: Your doctor will examine you and discuss what makes the pain worse or better. you start having difficulties with your bladder or bowelįIND A HEALTH SERVICE - Our Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.you have numbness, tingling or pins and needles in your arms or legs.the pain doesn’t ease up in a week or so.osteoporosis related bone damage or fractures.a compressed nerve (cervical radiculopathy).damage to the vertebrae, spinal cord or nerves in the neck.

wear and tear of the spinal discs (cervical spondylosis).wear and tear in the bones of the neck, which is a normal part of ageing.prolonged use of a desktop or laptop computer.injury such as a muscle strain or whiplash.poor posture (the way your body is positioned when standing or sitting).See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.ĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use our neck pain and stiffness Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. If you have a neck injury, you might also have: You also may not be able to move your head very well. Neck pain might also come with muscle tightness or spasms. The pain may be worse when you hold your head in one position for a long time, such as at a computer. Neck pain often spreads from the neck towards the shoulders or upper back. It is very rarely a sign of something more serious. Most neck pain clears up by itself in a few days. It will affect most people at some point in their lives. Neck pain is a common condition that can be caused by many different things.

