Pain in the neck.

[jakesi]

I get a niggling pain in the back of my neck on the right mainly when Im trying to concentrate(ie studying).any ideas?

[Moog]

Go to a doctor

[darth vader]

couldn't you think of a better answer than that moog?

Can i guess that you're right handed? It is quite likely to be stress and fatigue in the neck muscles - you need to take regular breaks, preferrably to exercise (rather than a tv break) - the exercise should be something that works the arms and neck like going for a walk - swimming is even better (if you live near a pool). If the problem persists THEN go to a doctor

[whiskygalore]

How's your posture? Sorry if this is a bit too 'common sense' to constitute advice, but are you sitting with your head and neck in alignment with your spine, or are you hunching over a desk? I used to have a similar problem, until someone pointed out that I was reading with my head tilted to the left!

[Moog]

From experience when something like this is troubling you the worst thing you can do is to make a general enquiry as everyone has their half baked ideas as to what the cause/cure is mostly based on their own experience. In matters of mental and physical health never take a chance seek professional advice.

[jakesi]

Good advice from all, I looked at my lifestyle and everything seems to be right sided and my posture while studying is a bit crouchy, but your right Moog and I will go to see the doc.

[darth vader]

I take great offence in having my response described as "half baked". It was a considered response based on the symptoms described and is a common problem (which i myself suffer from) that is usually easily diagnosable, and simple to rectify. I know you have to be careful where necks, spines, and heads are concerned but i agree with the doctors who complain we are becoming a nanny state with people cluttering up the doctors surgery because they broke a toenail or something similarly trivial. kjring i am not suggesting your problem is trivial but what you have described (and your followup posting), suggests the problem is posture and fatigue/stress and i'd recommend trying out my and whiskygalore's advice before approaching a doctor. This said, if the problem is worrying you then perhaps you should see the doctor sooner rather than later.

[moogy]

Oh no, who's this Moog person????? It's not me you know, how can it be that there are two Moogs!! Sorry, pain in neck, not nice...doctor's usually marginally helpful. I get it when i get stressed (usually fairly often). I had a condition which is like tennis elbow but in the neck! IT went eventually but it was down to posture and looking at my neck being at strange angles etc....

[moogy]

that last bit made no sense, i meant when you do something and your neck is at a strange angle, then it seems to effect it.