Neck pain
After lower back pain, neck pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint in the Netherlands. Two in three people experience it at some point.
What it feels like
Pain between the base of your skull and the top of your shoulder blades. It often comes with shoulder or arm complaints, headaches, stiffness, or a sense that your neck will not turn as far as it should.
Where it comes from
In the large majority of cases there is no damage, just overloaded muscles or joints. Sometimes there is a specific cause such as a disc problem or wear in the joints — and even then the outlook is usually good.
Tension, posture and, above all, a lack of movement play a bigger role than most people expect.
Neck pain and headaches
The neck and head are closely connected. For some people, headaches improve once the neck moves better. See headaches.
What you can do yourself
- Keep using your neck. Holding it still out of fear usually makes things worse.
- Change position regularly; staying in one posture is the biggest trigger.
- Move every day, even if it is only a walk.
- If you wake up in pain, look at your pillow and sleeping position.
When to see a doctor
After an accident or fall, with weakness or pins and needles in your arm or hand, with fever and a stiff neck, with persistent dizziness, or if pain consistently wakes you at night.
Ready to book?
No referral needed. We treat in English at both locations.