Neck problems

This information may help if you have a new neck problem.

If you have already been diagnosed with a neck condition, or you've had neck surgery recently, follow your doctor's advice.

If you've hurt your neck in a fall from height or a direct blow to the head or neck, read about what to do after that kind of injury.

Neck problems can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• pain and stiffness (that can sometimes spread down your arm)
• muscle tightness or spasms
• pins and needles or numbness in your arm or hand
• clicking and grinding (this is quite common and can sound alarming, but it is not usually serious)

Neck problems can sometimes cause pain in your shoulders, arms and upper back. They can also cause headaches.

In many cases, a new neck problem, or a flare-up of a long-standing one, should begin to settle within 8 weeks without the need to see a doctor.

Talk to a doctor urgently if:

• you feel clumsiness in your hands, numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in one or both arms, and it's getting worse
• your balance or walking has become a problem since the neck pain started
• your neck pain comes with a severe headache

If you can't reach a doctor, call a doctor or the 16263 health line.

• you have neck pain and you also feel generally unwell
• you have neck pain that starts when you are ill with other problems, like rheumatoid arthritis or cancer
• you develop blurred vision, ringing in your ears or dizziness

Serious disease or damage is rarely the reason for neck problems. Many people get them for no obvious reason at all.

Some common causes are:

• an injury, like a fall or car accident (whiplash is one example)
• direct trauma
• muscle strain or tension
• staying in one position too long, like sitting at your desk at work
• repeating the same strained movements in work, sports and hobbies
• anxiety and depression
• age-related changes like cervical spondylosis

There's a lot you can do to help with neck problems. This includes:

• moving your neck for short periods every hour
• not staying in one position for too long without moving
• carrying on with your normal daily activities and hobbies, even if you have to do them more slowly than usual
• using a supportive pillow when you're in bed
• keeping generally active, even if you move slowly at first

A collar is not recommended unless your doctor has specifically prescribed one.

Keeping your neck moving is an essential part of your treatment and recovery. It may be hard at the beginning, so just do what you can and try to build it up over time.

Exercises to help with neck problems

Using heat or ice on your neck can help reduce symptoms. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn. Take care never to place ice or heat directly on your skin. Leave a few hours between treatments.

How to avoid hot water bottle burns and scalds

You should stop treating the area with ice or heat if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.

Read more about burns and scalds

Doctors usually advise you to stay at work, or go back as soon as you can, while you recover from a neck problem. It's often the best way to get better. You don't have to be free of pain and symptoms before you return.

Talk to your employer about whether you need any changes at your workplace.

If you follow this advice, you should see your neck problem get better gradually. The biggest change in your symptoms should come within the first couple of weeks, and most problems should have improved within 8 weeks.

If your neck problem hasn't improved within 8 weeks of following this advice, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor about your symptoms. Find out how to access MSK services in your area.

With any health condition, look after your mental wellbeing too, because it can affect your recovery.

Don't include personal information, for example your name, location or any personal health conditions.