Overview

Most neck pain only lasts a few weeks. There are things you can do yourself to ease it, but see a GP if it doesn't go away.

Title
Torticollis

Causes

The most common causes are:

  • the neck becoming locked in an awkward position while sleeping
  • bad posture – for example, when sitting at a desk for a long time
  • a pinched nerve
  • an injury – for example, whiplash from a traffic accident or fall
Prevention

Do

  • when sleeping, make sure your head is the same height as the rest of your body
  • have a firm mattress
  • sit upright – roll your shoulders back gently and bring your neck back

Don't

  • keep your neck in the same position for a long time – for example, when sitting at a desk
  • sleep on your front
  • twist your neck when you're in bed
Self-help

Do

  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen – or use ibuprofen gel on your neck
  • use a low, firm pillow
  • put heat or cold packs on your neck
  • try neck exercises

Don't

  • wear a neck collar – it's better to keep your neck moving (unless a doctor tells you not to)
  • do anything that could be dangerous because you can't move your neck – for example, driving or cycling