Neck pain
Neck pain is very common and is usually caused by a minor strain or sprain of the muscles or ligaments, often from posture, sleeping awkwardly, or sitting at a screen for long periods. Read more about neck pain →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About neck pain
Neck pain is very common and is usually caused by a minor strain or sprain of the muscles or ligaments, often from posture, sleeping awkwardly, or sitting at a screen for long periods. It can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty turning the head. Most neck pain is not serious and improves within a few weeks.
How it is treated
Most neck pain is managed without tests or surgery. The usual advice is to keep the neck gently moving rather than resting it, use pain relief if needed, improve posture, and try exercises, with physiotherapy if it is slow to settle. Tests or a specialist referral are only needed if the pain is severe, does not improve, or comes with other symptoms such as arm weakness or numbness.
After treatment
Most people recover within a few weeks. Staying active, keeping good posture and continuing gentle exercises help prevent it coming back, and longer-lasting neck pain can still improve with a steady exercise plan.
Sources: NHS: Neck pain and stiff neck. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.