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A pain in the neck

16/ 5/2008

Q I do a lot of computer work and I've been finding I'm getting a lot of neck pain. Do you think that could be the cause?

A Your head is a lot to carry around - it can weigh 15 pounds or more.

The neck, or cervical spine, houses the upper part of the spinal chord, nerve roots, arteries and veins, it communicates with the shoulders, arms and chest.

Because it has such freedom of movement it is at high risk for pain and injury.

There are many reasons why we get neck pain, we slept in a funny position; whiplash - an injury often associated with road traffic accidents; injury during exercise, or just getting older and suffering from osteoarthritis.

Sometimes it is one side of the neck, or pain shoots down the arms. Sometimes, depending on the cause, it can cause headaches and dizziness, numbness, trouble swallowing, nausea, visual problems or fever. Symptoms are variable, they can be gone in a few days or can cause long term pain that limits what you do on a daily basis.

To avoid tired neck muscles do some easy stretches - roll your head from side to side while sitting at your desk, make sure if working with a computer that you are able to see the screen without twisting your neck. It should be right in front of you.

Stress makes neck pain worse so learning relaxation techniques can help.

Avoid sleeping on the stomach as this can put more pressure on the shoulders and neck. The treatment depends on the cause of the neck pain.

If pain or symptoms such as high temperature, sensitivity to light, severe tenderness, numbness, weakness or tingling occur see your doctor as this may be due to having sustained a head or neck injury and would need further investigation.