Introduction to nonspecific neck pain
Nonspecific neck pain is pain experienced in the neck that has no signs or symptoms suggestive of major structural pathology. It may be a result of multiple factors, including poor posture, neck strain, sporting and occupational activities, anxiety and depression. Acute episodes of nonspecific neck pain often improve rapidly, irrespective of the cause; over half of patients fully recover within 3 months. However, half to two-thirds of patients report some ongoing pain and disability at 1 to 5 years, either in the form of recurrent acute episodes or chronic pain. The severity of pain and disability at onset are the only well-established prognostic factors for nonspecific neck pain.
For detailed information on the assessment of patients with neck pain, see Assessment of back and neck pain. Investigation is usually not necessary, but can be considered if neurological symptoms or signs are present, or a serious pathology is suspected on clinical grounds.