Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. There are things you can do yourself to ease it, but contact your GP if it does not go away.
Causes of 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 ease neck pain
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
-
try neck exercises
Don't
-
do not wear a neck collar unless your GP tells you to - generally it's better to keep your neck moving
-
do not do anything that could be dangerous if you cannot move your neck – for example, driving or cycling
Putting heat or cold packs on your neck
Try either of these:
- a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for 5 minutes, 3 times a day
- a hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day
You can also buy heat or cold packs from a pharmacy.
When to contact your GP
Talk to your GP if:
- 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
Preventing neck pain
Do
-
make sure your head is the same height as the rest of your body when sleeping
-
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
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
