Mechanical neck pain conditions can be troublesome for any athlete, but most can be managed well with conservative therapies. Nevertheless, neck pain is characteristically recurrent and its lifetime impact should not be underestimated. Management must aim to first address the presenting condition and resolve the acute episode of neck pain.
The challenge is the second stage of treatment that aims to prevent or limit the recurrence of neck pain to improve future quality of life and sports performance. This broader aspect of effective secondary prevention should be a focus of both clinical practice and research.