Is neck pain common?
It can be short-lived, or last for a longer period. The causes of such problems are often varied, but static postures, poor loading and physical and psychological stress over time are common causes.
Most people will experience a stiff and sore neck during their lifetime. In Norway alone, 30-50% of the population will have experienced neck pain or neck-related problems in the past year. A painful neck is rarely dangerous, but can hurt terribly. If the pain does not subside within a short time, it is wise to have your neck examined by authorised healthcare personnel.
Which treatment works for neck pain?
Active and passive treatment are common forms of treatment for neck pain. Active treatment is training and specific exercises carried out alone or under guidance. Passive treatment is manual treatment carried out by a practitioner. This can be muscle treatment such as massage, mobilisation or manipulation of the joints in the neck. The purpose of these forms of treatment is pain relief and improvement in function and mobility in the neck.
Research shows that passive treatment alone has a good effect in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement in the neck, but by combining this treatment with exercises and tailored training there is a better effect in the long term. Both active and passive treatment actually have a better effect on neck pain compared with painkillers and/or anti-inflammatory medicines alone.
What can you do yourself?
Keep moving! It can be tempting to lie down on the sofa if you are in pain, but research shows that light movement and exercise are a smarter choice and you get better faster. Variation in working posture is wise. If you can vary between sitting and standing, that is sensible. This is to avoid a prolonged static working position. If you have been troubled for a long time, it is also very important to set goals for the rehabilitation phase and carry out the plan you set for yourself to improve function and strength in the neck. By building up strength and function, the neck becomes more resilient and relapse is less likely.
Behandlerverket's manual therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists have good expertise in both acute and long-term neck pain and are ready to give you advice, treatment or guidance if you need it. We know both training and treatment.
The post was written by chiropractor Ruben Skadberg and chiropractor Eirik Bremnes.
References:
Castellini, Greta, et al. «Some conservative interventions are more effective than others for people with chronic non-specific neck pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.» Journal of Physiotherapy (2022).
Corp, Nadia, et al. «Evidence‐based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: a systematic review of guidelines.» European Journal of Pain 25.2 (2021): 275-295.
Gross, A. R., et al. «Exercise for mechanical neck disorders: A cochrane systematic review update.» Physiotherapy 101 (2015): e486.
Tough, Elizabeth A., et al. «Acupuncture and dry needling in the management of myofascial trigger point pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.» European Journal of Pain 13.1 (2009): 3-10.
Jull, Gwendolen, et al. Management of neck pain disorders: A research informed approach. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2018.
Knudsen AK, Tollanes MC, Haaland ØA, Kinge JM, Skirbekk V, Vollset SE. Sykdomsbyrde i Norge 2015. Resultater fra Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2015 (GBD 2015). FHI; 2017
https://www.helsebiblioteket.no/innhold/retningslinjer/veileder-i-fysikalsk-medisin-og-rehabilitering/plager-i-nakke-og-rygg/dagens-evidens-og-videre-utvikling
https://www.physio-network.com/research-reviews/neck/some-conservative-interventions-are-more-effective-than-others-for-people-with-chronic-non-specific-neck-pain-a-systematic-review-and-network-meta-analysis/?r=1