Why is my neck hurting?
There are many reasons you may have neck pain. Usually, they’re not sinister but sometimes they can be serious.
Most commonly, neck pain will be caused by:
- Sleeping awkwardly and locking the neck in an uncomfortable position
- Bad posture over sustained periods (eg – staring over a screen)
- A pinched nerve
- An injury
These kinds of issues can be very painful but are not usually medical emergencies. They are best dealt with by a physiotherapist and doctor.
Why is my neck so painful?
Often people think that neck pain is not that serious, however it can be extremely painful, frustrating and hard to deal with.
This is thanks to the anatomy of the neck and its constant use in day to day life. The neck is quite complex, comprising muscles, ligaments, nerves, and vertebrae that work together to facilitate movement and support the head. Without realising, your neck muscles do a lot of work in day to day life. From turning your head to see, to nodding yes and no, we naturally move our head and neck all day long.
Your head weighs about 10–12 pounds (4.5–5.5 kg) which is a significant weight to carry when the muscles and nerves are injured. Your neck muscles, ligaments, and joints are always working to hold it up, which can cause ongoing and non-stop pain. When they’re strained, even small movements can trigger strong pain which causes day to day issues.
When you consider this, it makes sense that neck pain can be quite severe and needs attention and care even if the cause can be quite understated.
Psychosocial aspects of neck pain
It is well documented that neck pain has psychosocial causes and effects that extend beyond the physical.
Stress and anxiety can cause pain in the neck, hence the term “stop being a pain in the neck”. When you’re under stress, your body goes into a “fight-or-flight” response which can cause your muscles to tense up, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, and upper back. If that muscle tension is prolonged, it can lead to stiffness, soreness, or even muscle spasms.
Stress can also exacerbate pain in the neck, leading to a vicious cycle where pain increases emotional distress, which in turn heightens the experience of pain.
This interplay between physical and emotional health underscores the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, one that addresses both physical symptoms and mental aspects. By understanding the multifaceted nature of neck pain, we can better navigate treatment options and work towards sustainable relief.
When is neck pain chronic?
Neck pain is often thought of as a low level complaint and left to “heal” by itself. Sometimes this works, with a good at-home stretching routine. However, often this kind of treatment plan will result in prolonged pain that can sometimes turn chronic.
By chronic, we mean pain that lasts more than 12 weeks.
The goal is to solve the injury before it reaches this point, as once chronic, some researchers describe this as the nervous system being “stuck in a memory of pain.”
Normally, pain is a warning system: nerves detect injury and send signals to the brain. In chronic pain, this system can malfunction. Nerves may become oversensitive or keep firing even after tissues have healed. In some cases, the nervous system continues to send pain signals even when no injury is present anymore, which is sometimes called central sensitisation.
Often affects sleep, mood, energy levels, and daily function because of its persistence and can impact quality of life significantly.
Neck pain is one of the more common complaints that can go chronic. 30% of patients with neck pain will develop chronic symptoms, with neck pain of greater than 6 months in duration affecting 14% of all individuals who experience an episode of neck pain.
Statistically, some factors make you more likely to suffer from neck pain. These are:
- Age greater than 40
- Coexisting low back pain
- A long history of neck pain
- Cycling as a regular activity
- Loss of strength in the hands
Physiotherapy for neck pain
Physiotherapy is a powerful ally in the fight against neck pain, addressing the root causes and lowering the risk of chronic pain.
One of the primary goals of physio for neck pain is to alleviate pain through targeted exercises and manual therapies. At home, targeted exercises that are done daily can have a huge impact on neck pain in a relatively short period of time, offering relief that is patient-administered.
In the clinic, techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation, joint manipulation, and therapeutic massage work to release tension, improve circulation, and restore mobility. These hands-on treatments are complemented by exercises that strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture.
Beyond physical interventions, physiotherapy also encompasses education and lifestyle modifications which keep pain at bay long term. They provide valuable insights into ergonomics, teaching patients how to adjust their workstations, sleep positions, and daily activities to minimise strain on the neck.
Preventative Measures: How to Avoid Neck Pain
Here are some tips for avoiding neck pain:
- Maintain proper posture
- Use pillows that support the neck’s natural curve (firm, chiropractic pillows)
- Take regular exercise and keep active
- Stretch to enhance flexibility and release fascia
- Stress management
- Avoiding prolonged repetitive activities that affect the neck
Note: Every case will be different, so see a physio or doctor before starting a new routine.
When should I see someone for neck pain?
While occasional neck pain caused by things like a bad sleep may resolve on its own with self-care, it’s important to keep an eye on even mild neck pain. If your low level pain seems to be going on for days and weeks, booking in sooner rather than later can stop escalating.
Don’t try to be brave and put up with it, there might be an easy solution that will save you a lot of pain! Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and provide relief more quickly.
Where injuries are concerned, physiotherapy is a great first line of defence against things like whiplash or a fall. These injuries can cause lasting damage that requires targeted treatment to heal properly
When self-care measures and over-the-counter treatments fail to provide relief, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact us now to book an appointment and take control of your neck pain.