Definition

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

Causes

Chronic neck pain can be caused by a number of conditions, including problems with the muscles, nerves, or bones.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of chronic neck pain include having:

• Muscle strains and muscle tension
• Poor posture
• Osteoarthritis
• Disc degeneration
• Fibromyalgia
• Spinal stenosis
• Whiplash injury
• Prior spine surgery
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tumors (rarely)

Symptoms

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

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. Orthopedists specialize in bones and joints. A neurologist or neurosurgeon specializes in the nerves and spinal cord.

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

• X-rays
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Myelography

Your nerve and muscle function may need to be measured. This can be done using electromyography (EMG).

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options include the following:

Prevention

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 computer.
• Avoid sleeping with too many pillows.
• Get plenty of exercise.
• Make sure your desk chair and keyboard are at proper heights.
• Avoid cradling the phone in your neck.

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Accessed September 3, 2015.

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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.

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