Non-specific neck pain

What is non-specific neck pain?
Non-specific (or simple) neck pain has no specific underlying disease causing the pain. It is therefore necessary to exclude specific causes of neck pain, particularly those that are serious.

Suspect non-specific neck pain if the pain varies with different physical activities and with time, or is related to an awkward movement, poor posture, or overuse. Commonly, exercise makes the pain worse and rest relieves it, but the opposite may also be true.

Non-specific neck pain often radiates in a non-segmental distribution down the arm, up into the head, into the shoulder, or across the scapulae, and may be associated with paraesthesia or hyperaesthesia (but no objective loss of sensation or muscle strength).