The neck is part of your spine or spinal column. The spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae, one sitting on top of the other. These bones have discs in between them and lots of strong ligaments and muscles around them for support and to allow you to move.
At the level of each disc, nerve roots branch out of the spinal cord and connect to the muscles, tissues and organs. The neck is the top 7 bones of the spine.
As you grow older, the structures of your spine remain strong, but it’s usual for your neck to get stiffer as you get older.
Neck pain is a common problem, with most people suffering from neck pain at some point in their lives, and it can re-occur over time. The majority of the time it doesn’t mean you have actually damaged your neck, it is not usually serious and most often eases on its own or with simple exercise within a few days. Nearly all neck pain begins to fade within two-weeks and settles within six-weeks. If the pain doesn’t improve seek further advice from your general practitioner.
If it is a new problem, you often don’t need to seek advice from a health care professional.
Here is a video explaining how to set up your desk space:
Often the cause of neck problems are not certain and the best course of action is to concentrate on the things that may help.
If you experience any of these, you should contact your GP or CAV247 on the following number, 0300 1020247 or visit the CAV247 Website to arrange an appointment slot in A&E.
If you would like advice about medication or other methods of pain relief to help you to manage your pain better speak to your community pharmacist.
Pain medication can help to reduce pain and help you to move more comfortably, which can aid your recovery.
When taking pain medication it is important to take it regularly.
If during the video you are experiencing significant pain please stop the video and seek advice from your GP.
Keeping your neck moving and gently stretching your neck can often help with discomfort.
Exercise links:
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