Neck pain is usually caused by muscle strain from posture, screen use or sleeping position. It normally settles within days to weeks with movement and simple measures.
See a doctor if
- GO TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY: neck stiffness with fever, severe headache or a rash — this can be meningitis
- Neck pain after a road accident, fall or head injury
- Weakness, numbness or persistent tingling in an arm or hand
- Problems with balance, walking, or with bladder or bowel control
- Neck pain with unexplained weight loss, or in anyone with a history of cancer
- Severe pain that does not improve at all after a couple of weeks
Common causes
These are causes doctors commonly see. This list cannot tell you which one applies to you.
- Muscle strain from holding the head forward while using a phone or laptop
- Sleeping in an awkward position, or with an unsuitable pillow
- Long hours at a desk with the screen too low and no breaks
- Stress, which makes people hold the neck and shoulder muscles tight
- Age-related wear in the neck bones and discs, which is very common and often causes no symptoms at all
- A pinched nerve, which typically also causes pain, tingling or numbness down an arm
- Whiplash after a vehicle accident or fall
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my neck hurt from using my phone and laptop?
Holding the head forward for long periods loads the neck and shoulder muscles continuously, and they ache in response. A screen that is too low and long stretches without a break are the usual culprits, which is why the fix is position and movement rather than painkillers.
Can neck pain cause tingling in the arm?
It can. Pain, tingling or numbness travelling down an arm suggests a pinched nerve in the neck rather than simple muscle strain. That is worth having examined rather than treating as ordinary stiffness.
When is neck pain serious?
Go to hospital immediately if neck stiffness comes with fever, severe headache or a rash, as this can be meningitis. Also seek care for neck pain after an accident or head injury, weakness or numbness in an arm or hand, problems with balance or bladder control, or neck pain with unexplained weight loss.
What to do next
Note when the symptom started, how it has changed, and anything that makes it better or worse. Take that information — and a list of your medicines — to your doctor. It makes the consultation considerably more useful than trying to recall it on the spot.
If any of the warning signs above apply to you, do not wait for an appointment. Go to a hospital, or call 112.