Neck pain

When you feel a sharp pain in the neck, it is often referred to as "torticollis". In medical language, this is called "neck pain". It is a sharp pain that sits in the neck and can make any movement of the head painful. The cervical vertebrae are involved in head movements, so when it is tilted to one side, the neck accompanies the movement by moving contralaterally.

Two-thirds of the population suffers from neck pain at some point ⁽¹⁾. According to a Canadian study, its prevalence over 12 months is 30 to 50% of the general population ⁽²⁾. These sharp pains, localized in the neck, usually disappear within a few days or weeks. When it lasts less than six months, neck pain is said to be "acute". Beyond that, it becomes chronic ⁽²⁾.

Common neck pain and torticollis

What makes neck pain so common is the role of the cervical pain in supporting the head. They are constantly under pressure and must ensure a multitude of movements.

The most common neck pain can be caused by a multitude of factors: anxiety, very intense work or sports activity, poor posture, etc. The pain usually affects the back of the neck, and can radiate to the middle of the back and shoulders.

Torticollis, on the other hand, occurs suddenly, often at night, and is the consequence of a bad position or a sudden movement during sleep. One or more muscles in the neck contract, resulting in sharp pain and significant discomfort during movement ⁽³⁾.

Whiplash and symptomatic neck pain

Neck pain can also occur as a result of cervical trauma. This is often called whiplash. This term refers to a sudden and rapid flexion of the neck, immediately followed by an extension with a stretch. "Whiplash" usually occurs during an impact to the back of a vehicle, during a dive or during the practice of certain contact sports. These pains are related to muscle or tendon damage.

Severe tendon damage leads to whiplash and, in this case, there is a risk of spinal cord injury since the vertebrae are no longer connected to each other effectively.

Although rare, there are several cases of neck pain due to diseases. This is called "symptomatic" neck pain. The pain can then reveal a local or general pathology such as an inflammatory disease (ankylosing spondylitis for example), infectious, vascular or tumorous... ⁽³⁾

Other symptoms to identify

Neck pain can hinder movement and radiate to other parts of the body (head, shoulders, back,...). It can also be accompanied by headaches and feelings of dizziness. In torticollis, the neck muscles contract and the head and neck movements are abnormal. The patient may also feel more tired.

Responding well and treating neck pain

In case of neck pain, it is important to react well. First, by assessing the severity of the situation : the duration and intensity of the pain, its radiation to the limbs and the presence of other disorders. Depending on the severity, it will be advisable to consult a doctor more or less quickly.

In the most frequent and less severe cases (moderate pain and absence of other symptoms), it is possible to take medication to relieve the pain (an analgesic or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is imperative to seek advice from your pharmacist.

A foam cervical collar can also be used to support the effort of the neck. Its use should be limited in time but may be indicated at the beginning of the neck pain episode in case of severe pain ⁽⁴⁾.

Neck pain that occurs in a traumatic context (fall, whiplash, etc.) can lead to other disorders that may appear well after the accident: visual or auditory disorders (tinnitus or hearing loss), sleep abnormalities, concentration or memory ⁽³⁾.

Changing your habits to prevent neck pain

It is possible to prevent this pain or its recurrence with simple exercises that maintain and strengthen the cervical muscles. Also be careful to maintain a good posture when reading or using a computer.

During leisure or professional activities, the most appropriate head and neck positions should be adopted. In case of episodes of stress, relaxation techniques can be useful, in order to reduce tension in the neck. During any activity that involves keeping the head in a static position for a long time (driving, sitting at a workstation,...), it is important to take regular breaks.

Finally, take care of your sleep! Make sure your mattress fits you (firm enough, but not too firm); Use a comfortable, good quality pillow. Also avoid sleeping on your stomach and make sure to keep your head level if you sleep on your side ⁽⁵⁾.