Neck pain in students and working adults: causes and what the sources say about measures

NHI describes non-specific neck pain as new-onset or long-standing neck pain where there is no other cause than tense and painful muscles [1]. The pain varies in intensity, mobility in the neck is often reduced, and many get radiation to the arms [1].

Many feel stiffness and tension in the neck, often with small muscle knots and tenderness to touch [1]. The muscle tension can cause tension-type headache with pressing pain around the forehead and temples [1]. Read more about neck-related headache and acute neck lock.

Neck pain occurs in 30 to 50 percent of the adult population within a year, and about three percent see a doctor each year with a neck disorder as the main problem [1]. A Norwegian review article states that about 20 percent have daily problems or continuous neck pain over three months during the past year [6]. The problems are more common in women and in working age [6].

NHI writes that neck problems are the most common cause of sick leave in many industries [1]. In 2017 the occurrence in Norway, Finland and Denmark was among the highest in the world [1].

The problems can be caused by acute overexertion or long-term faulty loading and overload [2]. Tense muscles pull more on the attachments at the cervical vertebrae and the back of the head, which is one explanation for why neck pain can give headache [2].

Little variation in working position is mentioned as a factor that is often associated with neck pain [2]. NHI does not discuss screen work directly in the text, so the article cannot be used to say that screen use in itself causes neck pain. The study described in the NHI article on strength training involved women with chronic neck pain and monotonous work tasks, for example work in front of a PC [3].

Stress and psychological strain can also play a part, since many tense the neck muscles and raise the shoulders under pressure [1][2]. Poor sleep, anxiety, depression and conflicts are associated with long-standing pain, but are described as associations and not as proven causes [2]. Previous problems were the strongest indicator of new pain in an English study [2].

NHI describes physical exercise as the most important measure, both for treatment and prevention [1]. Structured neck exercises can be a safe start [1]. Relaxation exercises can be useful, especially for stress-related problems [1].

Advice for self-care is to stay active, break up monotonous positions and stretch [4]. NHI recommends avoiding sick leave where possible and getting started with usual activities [1]. With fear of movement, it is important to break the vicious circle that can lead to long-standing problems [1].

NHI describes a Danish study from 2008 of 48 women who had chronic neck pain and monotonous work tasks. For ten weeks they either did strength training for the neck and shoulders three days a week, cycling for fitness, or received information about exercise. The strength group had a marked reduction in pain after a longer training period, and the effect persisted after the training stopped. The cycling group had only a small reduction in pain right after the training session [3]. The study included only women, and the findings apply primarily to them [3].

A Norwegian review article from 2010 describes that exercise has an effect in both acute and long-standing problems without nerve root involvement, and that early activation is most effective. No form of exercise has been shown to be better than others, and the choice should be adapted to the individual [6]. The combination of exercises and joint mobilisation or manipulation has shown an effect [6]. Acupuncture and low-dose laser at trigger points have a short-term effect, for three months [6]. The authors emphasise that the knowledge base is weak and that there are no good data for ranking the treatments [6].

Neck pain usually goes away on its own within days or weeks, but many get recurring problems [1]. With overload the prognosis is good, while problems with psychosocial causes more often become chronic [1]. Up to 20 percent of those with acute problems develop chronic pain, and in 5 percent the condition causes considerable work disability [1][2].

NHI mentions three situations: acute, severe pain, especially if it radiates into an arm, persistent problems that do not improve, and neck pain together with a general feeling of illness or fatigue [5]. You can read more about radiating pain on the page about cervical disc herniation.

If you have had neck pain for several weeks, it keeps coming back, or you are unsure whether the problem is of the usual kind, a chiropractor can examine the neck and assess whether there is reason to refer on. Treatment can include guidance and adapted exercises. You can read more about chiropractic care at Dr.Dropin.

Why do I get neck pain?

It is often due to overexertion or long-term overload of the neck muscles. Little variation in working position, stress and previous problems are associated with neck pain [1][2].

How long does neck pain last?

It usually goes away on its own within days or weeks, but many get recurring problems [1].

What helps with neck pain?

NHI describes physical exercise as the most important measure, and recommends staying active and breaking up monotonous positions [1][4]. In a Danish study, strength training gave a more lasting reduction in pain than fitness training in women with chronic neck pain [3].

Do I need an MRI or X-ray for neck pain?

For non-specific neck pain, imaging is usually not necessary [1]. When nerve root involvement is suspected, a Norwegian review article recommends MRI if there is no improvement after four to six weeks [6].

When should I see a doctor about neck pain?

For acute, severe pain, especially if it radiates into an arm, for problems that do not improve, and for neck pain together with a general feeling of illness [5].

You can read more about neck-related headache, acute neck lock and whiplash. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Uspesifikke nakkesmerter (Non-specific neck pain). NHI.no. Last updated 31 July 2024. Link

2. Uspesifikke nakkesmerter, årsak (Non-specific neck pain, causes). NHI.no. Last updated 31 July 2024. Link

3. Styrketrening reduserer nakkesmerter (Strength training reduces neck pain; a report on Andersen LL, Kjaer M, Søgaard K, Hansen L, Kryger AI, Sjøgaard G. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;59:84-91). NHI.no. Last updated 6 January 2010. Link

4. Nakkesmerter, veiviser (Neck pain, guide). NHI.no. Last updated 5 October 2020. Link

5. Nakkesmerter: når bør du søke lege (Neck pain: when to see a doctor). NHI.no. Last updated 5 October 2020. Link

6. Nygaard ØP, Rø M, Andersen TI, Zwart JA. Nakkesmerter med og uten nerverotsaffeksjon (Neck pain with and without nerve root involvement). Tidsskr Nor Legeforen. 2010;130:2252-5. Published 18 November 2010. Link