Causes

Risk Factors

Symptoms

Chronic Neck Pain

(Neck Pain, Chronic)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Chronic neck pain is pain in the neck over a long period of time. It can last more than 3 months. The pain can range from mild to severe.

Nerve Pain in Neck

Causes TOP

A number of problems can cause chronic neck pain, such as problems with the muscles, nerves, or bones.

Risk Factors TOP

Here are some factors that may increase your risk:

Symptoms TOP

You may have neck stiffness. Pain may be worse when moving your neck. The pain can be any type of pain, such as burning, sharp, dull, and tingling. The pain may spread to other parts of the body such as the head, shoulders, and arms.

Muscles of the Neck

Diagnosis TOP

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. Orthopedists help people with their bones and joints. A neurologist or neurosurgeon helps people with their nerves and spinal cord.

Pictures of your spine may be needed. This can be done with:

Your nerves and muscles may need to be tested. This can be done using electromyography (EMG).

Treatment TOP

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Here are some options:

Activity and Exercise

You may be able to lower your pain by staying active and exercising. Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist. A therapist may work on strength exercises and stretching.

Medications

There are many kinds of medicine that may be used to help your neck pain.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—to treat the pain and reduce inflammation
Acetaminophen—to treat pain
Certain antidepressant medicines—sometimes used for neck pain
Certain antiseizure medicines
Corticosteroid injection —to treat the pain and reduce inflammation caused by disc disease

Other Treatments TOP

Here are some other ways to treat neck pain:

Low-level laser therapy— a light source is directed on the painful area
Electrotherapy treatments, such as repetitive magnetic stimulation, and nerve and muscle stimulation
Chiropractic care
Acupuncture
Intermittent traction (pulling on the neck)
Massage

Surgery TOP

Most cases of neck pain are treated medically. In some cases, surgery is needed. The type of surgery will depend on the cause of pain. For example, if you have a herniated disc in your neck, surgery will remove the damaged part of the disc.

Prevention TOP

To help reduce your chance of neck pain:

Maintain good posture.
Take breaks from activities that do not involve movement, such as driving or working at a desk.
Do not sleep with too many pillows.
Get plenty of exercise.
Make sure your desk chair and keyboard are at proper heights.
Do not cradle a phone in your neck.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://whenithurtstomove.org

References:

Binder A. Neck pain. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(11):117-118.

Cervical radicular pain and radiculopathy. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated April 20, 2018. Accessed June 11, 2018.

Cohen SP. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of neck pain. Mayo Clin Proc.2015;90(2):284-299.

Langevin P, Lowcock J, Weber J, et al. Botulinum toxin intramuscular injections for neck pain: a systematic review and metaanalysis. J Rheumatol. 2011;38(2):203-214.

Misailidou V, Malliou P, Beneka A, Karagiannidis A, Godolias G. Assessment of patients with neck pain: a review of definitions, selection criteria, and measurement tools. J Chiropr Med. 2010;9(2):49-59.

Neck pain. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed June 11, 2018.

Neck pain. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated December 2013. Accessed June 11, 2018.

12/17/2010 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed... : Andersen LL, Christensen KB, Holtermann A, et al. Effect of physical exercise interventions on musculoskeletal pain in all body regions among office workers: a one-year randomized controlled trial. Man Ther. 2010;15(1):100-104.

11/11/2013 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed... : Kroeling P, Gross A, Graham N, et al. Electrotherapy for neck pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;8:CD004251.

Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT, GCS
Last Updated: 9/3/2015

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