Neck pain is a common health problem in the population. Unfortunately women reported more consistently with neck pain compared to men. [1][2] It was found out that office or desk bound workers are among those who complaint of neck pain more frequently. Some studies showed people experience relapses of NP after recovering from it about 1 year later. [2] Thus, chronic neck pain is common and it may affect one’s emotions, and psychology, which in turn affects a person’s quality of life.
For example, a person who suffers a whiplash associated disorder (WAD) after a road accident may probably experience post-traumatic stress symptoms. [3] Some level of anxiety, fear and depression can be seen in these patients. They can be managed through the biopsychosocial model approach. [4]
However, there are patients who come to us with mechanical neck pain which sometimes causes headache. The reason for it may be due to cervical disc problem or some musculoskeletal issues. For instance, someone with a poor postural awareness might develop long term muscle imbalance and causes pain and discomfort on the neck region.
Other than that, degenerative conditions such as cervical spondylosis and spondylolisthesis are quite commonly seen in the population. However, NP can be a referred pain from other regions, such as temporomandibular joint problem (Jaw problem). Understanding the neurophysiology of pain would be helpful in dealing with this condition. You can find our article on NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF PAIN at this link.
References
- Fejer R. Kyvik KO. And Hartvigsen J. 2006. The prevalence of neck pain in the world population: a systematic critical review of the literature. Eur Spine J. 15(6). 834-848.
- Hoy DG. Protani M. De R. and Buchbinder R. 2010. The epidemiology of neck pain. Best practice Res Clin Rheumatol. 24(6). 783-92.
- Jull G. Falla D. Leary SO. And McCarthy C. 2015. Cervical Spine: Idiopathic neck pain. In Jull G. et. al. 4th Elsevier: United Kingdom. p.411.
- Gatchel RJ. Howard KJ. And Kishino ND. 2015. The Biopsychosocial approach. [Online] Available at: https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/psychological/biopsychosocial-approach. [Accessed on 23 February 2017]
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