The top reasons for neck pain

Neck pain is being caused by so many different factors

Are your neighbours a pain?

Most neck pain is about how you load and move through the day, not lasting damage.

Roadworks during peak hour. Screaming kids on flights (someone else’s, or worse, your own). Hairdressers who don’t listen. The neighbours’ house alarm that goes off when they are on holiday. All of the above are certified pains in the neck, and unfortunately, little research has been done into how best to prevent their occurrence.

Even worse than these figurative dilemmas however is actual neck pain, a condition which a large percentage of the Australian population experience on a regular basis. So much of the movement necessary for daily life, whether driving, talking or working, depends upon having good mobility in the neck. But if you are one of the many people who suffer from neck pain, even the simplest actions are accompanied by stiffness, discomfort and prolonged headaches.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is caused by a range of factors, all of which affect the vertebrae, cartilage and ligaments which support the head.

• Poor posture, typically linked to hunching over a computer or smartphone screen, is responsible for the vast proportion of neck complaints. Sitting, slouching or slumping at a desk for an extended period puts pressure on ligaments and muscles, as does reading in bed or sleeping on your stomach.

• If you have ever experienced pain when turning your head to the side, it’s possible that you have been suffering from a condition called ‘wry neck’. Brought on by sleeping in an awkward position, sudden jerking of the head or carrying heavy, unbalanced loads, this complaint is responsible for causing temporary, acute pain and stiffness in the neck. A more serious version of this condition is whiplash, where the jerking of the head strains the soft tissues of the neck. While whiplash is commonly associated with car accidents, it is an injury that can also be sustained through playing contact sports.

• The final major contributor to neck pain is degenerative disease like arthritis. Like all joints in your body, the cartilage cushioning your vertebrae wears down with age, and the result contributes to the condition osteoarthritis. When the firm cushion between two bones deteriorates, affected individuals experience pain, stiffness and muscle weakness which make even gentle movements difficult.

While there are no foolproof solutions to curing the pain in your neck, there is a lot you can do to prevent problems arising from your daily routine. 

• Think about your posture when sitting or standing, and make sure your desk is designed to help you sit comfortably. 

• Regular exercise will improve muscle tone and posture, while also helping to work against the muscle-tightening effects of stress. 

• If you have sustained an acute neck injury, it may be time to consult a qualified health professional for a course of soft tissue massage, mobilisation or manipulation. 

• Taping problem spots can help support your posture, while a specific program of stretching and strengthening can promote greater stability in the neck muscles.

Made up of seven small vertebrae, the neck nonetheless plays a crucial role in your daily activities. By looking after the muscles and ligaments in your neck you will help keep pain at bay, making you better equipped to deal with the roadworks, screaming kids, bad hairdressers and neighbours’ alarms when they inevitably come your way.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common cause of neck pain?

Mechanical strain from posture, prolonged sitting and stress is the most common cause for most people.

Can my desk setup cause neck pain?

Yes. Long hours looking down or at a poorly set up screen is one of the most common drivers.

How do I get rid of neck pain?

Regular movement, targeted strengthening and small changes to how you sit and use your phone usually help. A physiotherapist can tailor it.

When should I worry about neck pain?

If it spreads into your arm, comes with numbness, weakness or headaches, or does not settle.