What is the impact of neck pain?
Neck pain is incredibly common. In fact, research estimates that between 25% and 70% of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives, and 30-50% of individuals will face it annually. Despite how widespread neck pain is, the good news is that it’s treatable.
The impact of neck pain varies greatly. For some, it may involve a short period of mild discomfort, while for others, it can be severe enough to stop them from working or performing everyday tasks. In fact, neck pain ranks among the top 10 health issues worldwide that contribute to years lived with disability.
In addition to the direct pain, neck pain can also cause a range of other issues, including:
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms, upper back, face, and jaw
- Headaches and dizziness
- Weakness in the neck and arms
Neck pain is not only uncomfortable, but it can also significantly affect your quality of life.
Is all neck pain the same?
Not all neck pain is identical. It can arise suddenly or gradually, and it may be linked to a clear cause—or appear without any obvious reason. Here are some common scenarios:
- Clear mechanism & sudden onset: For example, pain following a car accident, sports injury, or sudden movement like head-butting a ball in soccer.
- Clear mechanism & gradual onset: Pain that develops over time, such as from prolonged sitting at a desk or poor posture.
- No clear mechanism: In some cases, pain can occur with seemingly no reason—such as lifting your head off the pillow or bending down to pick something up.
Neck pain can arise from various tissues, including muscles, tendons, nerves, bones, discs, joints, and ligaments. Several factors contribute to neck pain, including work-related demands, lifestyle habits, stress, fatigue, and past injuries.
Why see a physiotherapist?
Neck pain can be complex, which is why it’s crucial to work with a skilled physiotherapist. At Ethos Health, our physiotherapists take the time to:
- Understand the unique nature of your neck pain
- Rule out any serious, but rare, causes that may require imaging or further referrals
- Create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs, taking into account your lifestyle and specific pain triggers
Treatment options for neck pain
There are a variety of treatments for neck pain, but not all are effective. While some may even be harmful, there is significant research that helps identify the most effective interventions. Here are three key ingredients to a successful recovery:
- Early intervention: Early treatment from a physiotherapist has been shown to lead to better outcomes, including:
- Reduced pain and disability
- Faster return to work and daily activities
- Lower healthcare costs
- Less reliance on medications or surgery
- Specific exercise: Targeted exercise, especially for the neck, shoulders, and upper back, is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and improve function. Studies consistently show that the more you engage in these exercises, the better the results.
- Targeted manual therapy: A recent systematic review found that manual therapy (such as hands-on techniques by a physiotherapist) can provide better results in reducing pain and disability when compared to other treatments like medications and electrotherapy. Combining manual therapy with exercise can provide even greater relief.
References
- Neck Pain: Revision 2017
- Primary care referral of patients with low back pain to physical therapy: impact on future health care utilization and costs
- A Prospective Observational Study of Emergency Department-Initiated Physical Therapy for Acute Low Back Pain
- The Effects of Early Physiotherapy Treatment on Musculoskeletal Injury Outcomes in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review
- Prognostic factors specific to work-related musculoskeletal disorders: An overview of recent systematic reviews
- Immediate Physical Therapy Initiation in Patients With Acute Low Back Pain Is Associated With a Reduction in Downstream Health Care Utilization and Costs
- Initial presentation for acute low back pain: is early physical therapy associated with healthcare utilization and spending? A retrospective review of a National Database
- The Effect of Timing of Physical Therapy for Acute Low Back Pain on Health Services Utilization: A Systematic Review
- Management patterns in acute low back pain: the role of physical therapy
- Exercises for mechanical neck disorders: A Cochrane review update
- Motor control using cranio-cervical flexion exercises versus other treatments for non-specific chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Resistance, Motor Control, and Mindfulness-Based Exercises Are Effective for Treating Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Dose-Response Meta-Regression
- Effectiveness of Specific Neck Exercise for Nonspecific Neck Pain; Usefulness of Strategies for Patient Selection and Tailored Exercise-A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
- Benefits and Harms of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Treating Recent and Persistent Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
- Some conservative interventions are more effective than others for people with chronic non-specific neck pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
