Neck pain is defined as pain localised in the neck, with or without radiating to one or both upper limbs, lasting at least one day.

In 2008, the Neck Pain Working Group defined the anatomical region concerned. This anatomical definition was developed by consensus, as the group had identified over 300 different clinical definitions for neck pain.

People suffering from neck pain may also have headaches or shoulder pain, but neck pain remains their main complaint.

(Verhagen AP. Physiotherapy management of neck pain. J Physiother [Internet]. 2021;67(1):5–11. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2020.12.005)