Experiences with

Neck pain

How you can ease neck pain yourself

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen – or use ibuprofen gel on your neck

• use a low, firm pillow

• put heat or cold packs on your neck

• try neck flexibility exercises

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

You can ease neck pain by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, using a firm pillow, putting heat or cold packs on your neck and doing neck exercises.

Common causes of neck pain include the neck locking in an awkward position while sleeping, bad posture or an injury like whiplash.

To prevent neck pain, use a firm mattress when sleeping and make sure your head is the same height as the rest of your body. Sit upright when sitting.

Related links

Neck pain

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence