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Neck pain

Overview

Open all pages about Neck pain

You can ease neck pain by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, using a firm pillow, putting heat or cold packs on your neck and doing neck exercises.

Common causes of neck pain include the neck locking in an awkward position while sleeping, bad posture or an injury like whiplash.

To prevent neck pain, use a firm mattress when sleeping and make sure your head is the same height as the rest of your body. Sit upright when sitting.

Neck pain is not usually serious and will often go away in a few weeks. A GP can help if the pain does not improve.

Page last reviewed: 27/04/2023
Next review due: 27/04/2026