Health Advice
Neck pain
Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. There are things you can do yourself to ease it, but see a GP if it does not go away.
How you can ease neck pain yourself
Do
take paracetamol or ibuprofen - or use ibuprofen gel on your neck
use a low, firm pillow
put heat or cold packs on your neck
Don't
do not wear a neck collar - it's better to keep your neck moving (unless a doctor tells you not to)
do not do anything that could be dangerous because you cannot move your neck - for example, driving or cycling
See a GP if:
- neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks
- painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen have not worked
- you're worried about the pain
- you have other symptoms, like pins and needles or a cold arm - this could be something more serious
What can cause neck pain
The most common causes of neck pain are:
- the neck becoming locked in an awkward position while sleeping
- bad posture - for example, when sitting at a desk for a long time
- a pinched nerve
- an injury - for example, whiplash from a traffic accident or fall
How you can prevent neck pain
Do
when sleeping, make sure your head is the same height as the rest of your body
have a firm mattress
sit upright - roll your shoulders back gently and bring your neck back
Don't
do not keep your neck in the same position for a long time - for example, when sitting at a desk
do not sleep on your front
do not twist your neck when you're in bed