ask the expert

HOW TO DEAL WITH A PAIN IN THE NECK

MOST of us have woken up with a dull ache in the back of our neck, as though we’ve slept in a funny position, and if you rely heavily on computers, phones and tablets at work, this is sadly just a fact of moderwn life.

Pain expert Dr Roger Henderson explaines some of the causes and treatments of neck pain – from mild to serious. What are the main causes of neck pain? “USUALLY a combination of poor posture and tension. People who sit at a desk tend to slump, which puts strain on the back and builds tension in the neck and upper shoulder muscles. This usually results in a stiff, painful sore neck and tension headaches. People who have the incorrect number of pillows or an uncomfortable mattress, can wake with a stiff, painful neck. The most extreme example is wry neck (torticollis). Your neck will be at a painfully tilted angle that you can’t straighten out.” Can over-exercising cause neck pain? “PEOPLE who do a lot of breaststroke in swimming, or play rugby or contact sports, and even archery, where they’re in a certain position holding tension for a little while, are at increased risk. If you’re not stretching out after the exercise, you’ll likely feel tension in those neck muscles.” How do you know if neck pain is serious enough to see a doctor? “THE danger sign is pain that will not settle with painkillers. Also symptoms like numbness to the arms or hands, loss of sensation or severe headaches, especially if they occur when you bend your head forward. These are all indications that you should seek the advice of a professional.” What steps can you take to avoid neck pain? “IF you’re looking up at the screen, your neck’s at an angle, or you’re typing at an uncomfortable position for six to eight hours, you’re putting yourself under considerable risk of neck spasm.

“Ask your employer for a desk assessment: you need the correct chair and the correct eye level for your screen. Make sure you’re not cradling your phone between your head and your shoulder and that you’re taking regular, mini breaks to stretch.”