Neck Pain: Common Causes, What Helps and When to Get It Checked

Neck pain is extremely common and can range from a mild ache or stiffness to pain that makes working, sleeping, driving or exercising difficult.

Sometimes it develops after a particular incident, but often there isn't one obvious cause. Long periods at a desk, changes in activity, stress, poor sleep, training load and irritation of the joints, muscles or nerves can all play a part.

The important thing is understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms, rather than assuming every case of neck pain has the same cause.

What Can Cause Neck Pain?

There isn't one single cause of neck pain. Common factors can include:

• Muscle and joint irritation

• Changes in activity or training load

• Spending long periods in one position

• Previous neck injuries

• Age-related changes

• Stress and muscle tension

• Irritation of a nerve in the neck

Posture can sometimes contribute, but there is rarely one perfect posture that everyone needs to maintain all day. Movement, changing position and your overall activity are often more important.

When Should Neck Pain Be Checked?

Most episodes of neck pain are not caused by anything serious. However, assessment is particularly important if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or associated with symptoms such as significant weakness, numbness, problems with coordination, balance changes, fever, unexplained weight loss or recent significant trauma.

If something doesn't fit a straightforward musculoskeletal problem, appropriate referral or further investigation may be recommended.

 What Can Help Neck Pain?

Treatment depends on what we find during your assessment.

Your care may include:

• Advice and education

• Joint mobilisation or manipulation where appropriate

• Soft-tissue treatment

• Mobility exercises

• Strengthening and rehabilitation

• Advice around work, training and daily activity

The aim isn't simply to make your neck "crack". It's to help you understand the problem, improve movement and give you practical ways of managing it.

Do I Need an X-Ray or MRI?

Usually, no.

Imaging isn't routinely required for uncomplicated neck pain. Your history and physical examination help determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

If your examination suggests that imaging or medical assessment is needed, this will be discussed with you.

Neck Pain Treatment at Move Free Pontypool

At Move Free Pontypool, your first appointment starts with a detailed consultation and physical assessment.

We'll look at your symptoms, movement, relevant neurological findings, lifestyle and activities before explaining what we think may be contributing to the problem.

From there, we'll agree on an individual plan based on your findings and goals.

Not sure what's causing your neck pain?

Book an initial chiropractic consultation at Move Free Pontypool and we'll start by working out what's going on.

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