MAIN Health Pain Neck Pain

The neck has a marvelous range of motion, allowing a quick glimpse of everything around you to the right, left, and up and down - as well as limber athletic ability to roll and somersault.

The delicate design of the neck - with its many bones, joints, muscles and nerve endings - may become a real "pain in the neck", however, whenever the area is bruised or injured.

Neck pain can arise through poor posture, overexertion or injury while at play or at work. Note: if extreme neck pain and stiffness is accompanied by headache and fever, seek a doctors advice immediately. These symptoms may be a sign of meningitis, a possibly life-threatening infection of the membrane surrounding the brain. More typically, and less life-threatening causes, may include the joint ache and stiffness caused by arthritis, or herniation of a neck disk bone caused by general wear and tear.

At work especially, hunching over a computer or workspace all day can lead to symptoms of minor but prolonged neck pain. On the road, a common neck injury is caused by the violent jerking "whiplash" injury to soft tendons in the neck following a a rear-end car collision.

Around the Web, find out more about easing the discomfot with expert tips & advice on physical therapy, home care remedies, alternative pain relief, exercises, and stress-reducing techniques when your sensitive neck rebels against occasional rough treatment ...

Neck Pain - Mayo Clinic guide with expert advice on causes & treatment, diseases related to neck pain, diagnostic tests, when to seek a doctor's care, and suggested exercises and prevention techniques.

What You Need To Know About Neck Pain - Comprehensive, illustrated guide to neck anatomy, related pain and its causes & treatment, tips on reducing stress and risk of inury, suggested exercises, how a physcial therapist can help, related FAQ.

Patient information: Physical therapy for the neck - At-home exercises for reducing the pain of arthritis, tension & stress, with instructions on stretching techniques, heat and massage, posture modification and more with links to additional information.

Whiplash - Good intro to the subject with typical causes, common symptoms, how long the condition usually lasts, treatment options, suggested exercises, related links

Neck Sprain - Fact sheet covering typical causes & treament, list of symptoms, treatment options and general prognosis, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Burners - a.k.a. 'stingers', and a common high school football ailment with information on related symptoms of nerve damage in the neck and shoulder area, tips on easing the pain, when to seek medical treatment, and a link to a related article on the topic.

also see in Office Life -> Carpal Tunnel, Office Health & Safety

Exercising at Your Desk

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.