Neck pain exercises

This leaflet provides general information about neck pain and simple exercises that may help.

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Neck pain is common but most cases aren’t caused by a serious problem. Most cases of neck pain get better on their own within a few weeks.

Bed rest for more than a couple of days makes it harder to get going, so make sure you stay active. Gradually increase your normal activities and do regular exercise.

Take painkillers if needed so you can stay active. Your pain should ease within 2 weeks and you should recover over approximately a 4–6 week period.

You should use the suggested exercises for at least 6–8 weeks to help prevent symptoms returning. If you have severe neck pain or weakness in your arms/hands,contact your doctorIt explains how the neck works, some of the causes of neck pain (cervical spondylosis, whiplash and tension) and outlines what can be done to help.

Download the leaflet below for a series of simple exercises to help you recover and to help prevent symptoms returning.

Video exercises

These exercises can help with neck pain

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