Neck Pain
What is neck pain?
Neck pain is a broad condition that may occur acutely (e.g. pain for a short period of time), or present for a longer period of time (e.g. recurrent condition with repeated episodes). The Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study ranked the burden of neck pain as the 4th highest in terms of years lived with disability and ranked 21st of 291 conditions in terms of overall burden. When we treat neck pain, we must aim not only to resolve the acute episode to address immediate goals of pain relief, but also should work to prevent or limit recurrence for future quality of life.
Cause and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may include
Reduced range of motion when turning, flexing or bending the head and neck
Sharp pain with movement
Dull ache, that may be worse in the morning or after a period of immobility
Stiffness, muscular tightness
In some cases, referral of symptoms (pins and needles, numbness etc.) down the arms and into the hands and fingers
Written by Jack Rains
— Physiotherapist, Sydney
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