12/01/2026
Acute neck pain is common. It may start suddenly after poor posture, prolonged screen use, stress, or an awkward movement. Many people ignore it, assuming it will settle on its own.
That delay is where the problem begins.
Evidence shows that acute neck pain can easily transition into chronic neck pain if early, appropriate care is not initiated. Chronic neck pain is harder to treat, lasts longer, and often interferes with sleep, work productivity, and daily functioning.
References
Blanpied, P. R., Gross, A. R., Elliott, J. M., Devaney, L. L., Clewley, D., Walton, D. M., … Robertson, E. K. (2017). Neck pain: Revision 2017—Clinical practice guidelines linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(7), A1–A83. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.0302
Cohen, S. P. (2015). Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of neck pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(2), 284–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.09.008