Mechanical neck pain
Mechanical neck pain
Mechanical neck pain: what it means and what to expect
If you have already been told you have mechanical neck pain, this section can help you understand it better. If your symptoms are new or still going on, please speak to your healthcare professional.
Read about managing a neck problem
What is mechanical neck pain?
Mechanical neck pain is very common, affecting about two out of three of us at some point in life. It is usually not serious, and it tends to get better on its own.
Healthcare professionals may also refer to mechanical neck pain as:
- simple neck pain
- non-specific neck pain
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Speak to your GP urgently if:
You have experienced a new onset or significant worsening of the following symptoms:
- changes to bladder and bowel function e.g. urgency, frequency, difficulty passing urine, leaking, incontinence
- changes to sensation around the bottom and/or genitals or sexual dysfunction e.g. recent inability to achieve orgasm or erection
- reduced balance or difficulty walking
- pain, weakness, heaviness or changing sensation in the arms or legs
- clumsy hands e.g. dropping things, struggling with handwriting, buttons or zips
- if your neck pain is associated with a severe headache
Phone 111 if your GP practice is closed.
Speak to your GP if you have neck pain:
- and you also feel generally unwell
- that starts when you are ill with other problems – such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer
Causes
What causes mechanical neck pain?
Sometimes mechanical neck pain follows an injury, such as whiplash. But just as often, people notice it starting for no clear reason at all.
A number of everyday things can bring it on, including:
- strained or tense muscles
- injuries from sport or work
- staying in one position for too long
Your neck is actually a strong, resilient part of your body. Most neck pain heals on its own and doesn't leave any lasting damage, because the body is remarkably good at repairing itself. So in most cases, there's no real need to see a healthcare professional about it.
How you feel can also be shaped by your general health and wellbeing. Things like these can make pain feel worse:
- poor sleep
- anxiety
- stress
- low emotional wellbeing
As we grow older, it's normal for the neck to go through age related changes. These often happen without causing any symptoms at all, though sometimes they do contribute to neck pain. Doctors call this ageing process cervical spondylosis, and it's managed in much the same way as ordinary mechanical neck pain.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually diagnose mechanical neck pain simply by talking to you about your symptoms and doing a physical examination.
Scans or X-rays aren't usually needed, though your doctor may suggest them in some cases to rule out other serious conditions.
Treatment
There are many things you can do to help ease your mechanical neck pain.
Exercise
Gentle exercises can help keep your neck moving. Movement increases blood flow to the tissues and helps healing.
Exercises may feel uncomfortable when you start, but they are safe to do. They become much easier as movement comes back. It is well known that being afraid to move can actually make pain worse, so any movement can help.
Read about exercises for neck problems
Pain management
Pain medication can help you move more comfortably, which in turn helps manage your symptoms.
More about taking painkillers
Using heat or ice on your neck can also help ease symptoms. Use a barrier, such as a towel, to protect your skin from a burn. Never place heat or ice directly on your skin, and leave a few hours between treatments.
How to avoid hot water bottle burns and scalds, Care of Burns in Scotland
Stop treating the area with heat or ice if you notice increased redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.
Read more about burns and scalds
If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you should not use heat or ice as a treatment for neck pain.
Lifestyle
The things you do day to day can affect how much pain you feel.
Lifestyle advice includes:
- staying active
- modifying activities and pacing yourself
- maintaining a healthy weight
- stopping smoking
- managing stress and emotional wellbeing
Work
Problems linked to neck pain can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work. This depends on the nature of your symptoms and the kind of work you do.
Speak to your employer about whether you need any workplace adjustments.
Continuing to work, or returning to work as soon as you feel able, will help your recovery.
Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help build up strength and stamina.
Help and support
If you follow this advice, you should see gradual improvement over time. If your symptoms have not improved after 8 weeks, or if they get worse, talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
How to access MSK (musculoskeletal) services in your area
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