Neck pain can reduce physical functioning, work ability and daily activities.

Chronic neck pain may lower quality of life and lead to disability in severe cases.

Chronic neck pain is associated with experiences of psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, kinesiophobia and catastrophizing), which may exacerbate pain and lead to avoidance of movement.

Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of conditions, including muscle strain, worn joints, nerve compression, injuries and arthritis. Acute neck pain is associated with muscle strain from overuse and overextension, such as from poor posture, awkward sleeping positions or trauma. Whereas chronic neck pain is typically caused by age-related wear-and-tear and spinal degeneration. Risk factors for neck pain include older age, being female, history of musculoskeletal disorders, high occupational demands and psychological distress.

In most cases, neck pain will resolve within a few days or weeks. Surgery and other forms of specialist intervention are only considered in specific circumstances when conservative treatment has not improved symptoms. Experiences of numbness, loss of strength in your arms/hands or shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm that does not go away with a good conservative treatment program may be an indication of something that may need further investigation.

In most cases, neck pain will resolve within a few days or weeks. Surgery and other forms of specialist intervention are only considered in specific circumstances when conservative treatment has not improved symptoms. Experiences of numbness, loss of strength in your arms/hands or shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm that does not go away with a good conservative treatment program may be an indication of something that may need further investigation.