Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Neck pain - non-specific - Background information
What is it?

  • Simple (or non-specific) neck pain has no specific underlying disease causing the pain [Williams and Hoving, 2004; Binder, 2007a]:
    • Symptoms vary with physical activity and over time.
    • The cause is usually multifactorial and includes poor posture, neck strain, sporting and occupational activities, anxiety, and depression.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement