Evidence-based Overviews | Prevention | Treatments & Self-Management | Associated Conditions | Decision Aids and Toolkits | Work Accommodation | Neck Pain Organizations | Research on Neck Pain
Neck pain in the population is very common. It is estimated that in a one year period between 30% to 50% of the population will have an episode of nand in the middle age. Risk factors for neck pain included genetics, poor psychological eck pain with between 1.7% to 11.5% reporting that their usual activities are limited due to neck pain. Neck pain is more prevalent among women and in the middle age. Risk factors for neck pain included genetics, poor psychological health, and exposure to tobacco. Contrary to popular opinion disc degeneration was not identified as a risk factor.
Evidence-based Overviews
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Prevention
There is strong evidence that some kinds of neck pain can be prevented. Recent research has shown that whiplash injuries arising from motor vehicle collisions can be reduced by up to 35% if people were in cars with GOOD rated head restraints and adjusted them appropriately. You can find more information about cars with GOOD head restraints, adjusting your head restraint and more through our Whiplash Prevention Campaign.
Whiplash Associated Disorder – Whiplash-associated disorders most often occurs as a result of rear end or side impact vehicle collisions. However it can also be caused by sports injuries involving being hit from the side or behind (skiing, contact sports, skating, etc.).
Postural or Stress-related Neck Pain – Neck pain arising from postural or stress may be reduced through improving ergonomics, stress management, changes in work culture, general fitness and neck exercises. Research into primary neck pain reduction has found that it is very difficult reduce the incidence of neck pain in the workplace, although, general fitness and exercise can have an impact on reducing pain, pain-related suffering and disability. More information and resources on ergonomic improvements in our Work Accommodation section below.
Resources
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Associated Conditions
Headaches - Headaches are a common complaint for people with neck pain.
Resources
Depression – People with chronic neck pain are at a higher risk of experiencing depression. Depression and pain can produce a vicious cycle where one feeds into the other resulting in higher pain levels and more depression. Visit our mental health resources to take a more active approach to living well with depression.
Resources
Low Back Pain - People with neck pain often have correlated pain in their lower back. Our Back Pain section has resources for dealing with back pain.
Decision Aids and Toolkits
Neck Pain Toolkit – An informational booklet on the causes, treatments and management of neck pain. Also includes instructions for basic stretches for neck pain.
Neck Pain Decision Aid – This aid will help you navigate the decision involved with whether you can manage your neck pain or if you should see a doctor.
Chronic Back Pain Checkup – A decision-making tool to help you decide when and where you should seek care based on your back pain symptoms.
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Work Accommodation
There is limited evidence that suggests that reducing neck pain arising from computer work requires changes in your workstation, reducing static postures and prolonged sitting. There is a growing body of the research that indicates prolonged sitting not only increases work stress it has other health consequences. Sitting for more than 1 hour has been shown to induce biochemical changes in lipase activity (an enzyme involved in fat metabolism) and in glucose metabolism that leads to the deposit of fats in adipose tissue rather than these being metabolized by muscle, and extensive sitting also relates to heart disease risks. Cornell University Ergonomics lab has been experimenting with both standing computer workstations and sitting computer workstations and exploring the use of combining sitting and standing workstations at work.
Resources
Neck Pain Organizations
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Last Updated: July 5, 2011
Reviewed by: Marc White PhD, Scientific & Executive Director, CIRPD