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Neck Pain: Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

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Illustration of stacked cervical vertebrae, a comprehensive guide to neck pain in physical therapy by Physioactif

Neck Pain: Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Written by:
Philippe Paradis
Scientifically reviewed by:
Stéphanie Desjardins

Neck pain is pain felt in the neck. It can interfere with head movement, sleep, and daily activities. A review published in 2014 estimated that 4.9% of the world’s population experienced neck pain at some point, based on data from 2010 1. This prevalence does not indicate the severity of your specific episode. Your symptoms and the circumstances surrounding them determine whether an evaluation is needed. Our physical therapy guide for neck pain explains the care process.

Here's the good news: neck pain can improve within a few weeks, and pain that lasts a long time isn't necessarily permanent.

Physical therapists evaluate neck pain and its impact on your daily activities. This guide explains the symptoms, the signs that indicate you should seek medical attention, and possible treatments. Our comprehensive guide to physical therapy provides an overview of this field.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience felt in the neck region. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or which resembles that caused by such damage. 2 Nociception—the activity of the nervous system that detects and processes signals of tissue danger—can contribute to pain without being synonymous with it. Symptoms depend on several factors and, on their own, do not allow for the identification of a cause.

10 Quick Tips to Understand Your Pain

One tip a day for 10 days to help you better understand your pain. About a 2-minute read.

The neck consists of seven bones called vertebrae, numbered C1 through C7. Discs—small cushions that facilitate movement—separate the vertebrae from C2 to C7. There is no disc between C1 and C2. C1 lacks a vertebral body, the thick part of the bone. Its anterior arch articulates with the odontoid process of C2, a bony projection 3. The nerves in the neck contribute to movement and sensation in the arms and hands. A nerve root is the part of a nerve located near the spinal cord—the nerve bundle protected by the spine that transmits messages between the brain and the body. Damage to a nerve root can cause numbness, weakness, or altered reflexes. A reflex is an automatic muscle response that the healthcare professional can test 4. The neck also allows you to turn, tilt, and lift your head.

Several factors can influence pain at the same time: the condition of the tissues and the nervous system, emotions, expectations, work, and support from those around the person. The biopsychosocial model describes how these factors interact. It considers biological, psychological, and social factors together 5. The presence of just one of these factors is not enough to determine the cause or severity of your pain.

Synonyms for neck pain

  • Mechanical neck pain: pain that varies depending on position or movement
  • Nonspecific neck pain: pain without a specific lesion identified to explain it

What is the difference between acute and chronic neck pain?

On parle souvent de Acute pain pendant les premières semaines et de Chronic pain lorsqu'elle persiste. Dans la classification internationale des maladies, la CIM-11, une douleur est dite chronique quand elle persiste ou revient pendant plus de trois mois.6 Après un Whiplash, l'évolution varie beaucoup d'une personne à l'autre.7 Dans la synthèse des meilleures données sur le Whiplash, environ la moitié des personnes rapportaient encore des symptômes au cou un an après la blessure, et une douleur plus forte ou une incapacité plus grande au départ annonçait une récupération plus lente.8 Une douleur qui dure n'est pas nécessairement permanente.

Type Duration Development and Milestones
Acute pain Less than 4 weeks until the 2024 issue of the Cochrane Review May improve within a few weeks; watch for warning signs and monitor activities
Subacute pain From 4 to 12 weeks in this same journal These categories describe a time frame; they do not specify the repair speed.
Persistent Pain More than 3 months for chronic pain in ICD-11 Improvement is still possible; the term “chronic” does not mean “permanent.”

Les catégories « aiguë » et « subaiguë » suivent les seuils de la revue Cochrane de 20249. Les études n’emploient pas toutes les mêmes seuils.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

The general symptoms are:

  • Pain only in the neck that appears gradually
  • Stiffness or increased pain with neck movements

Certain movements can affect the symptoms:

  • Neck pain with symptoms when bending forward (head tilted forward)
  • Neck pain with symptoms when extending (head tilted backward)

What actions can trigger pain?

Pour la cervicalgie avec des symptômes en flexion, la douleur peut augmenter pendant certains gestes : 

  • Bending your head down
  • Reading a book
  • Looking at a cell phone or tablet for a long time
  • Standing and cooking with your head bent, like when cutting vegetables
  • Washing dishes
  • Do a puzzle

For neck pain with symptoms that worsen when the neck is extended, the pain may increase during certain movements:

  • Driving for a long time
  • Being at the computer for a long time
  • Watching television for a long time
  • Looking up
  • Doing a task in the air (painting, putting away dishes high up)

The same person may experience pain when tilting their head forward and backward. These reactions help in adjusting activities; they do not indicate two distinct diagnoses.

What are the causes of neck pain?

Neck pain can have several causes. The evaluation examines changes in activity, symptoms, and other health issues. The following situations may precede the onset of pain but do not, on their own, explain its cause:

  • Activité plus longue ou plus exigeante que d’habitude. Par exemple :
    • Doing spring or fall cleaning
    • Gardening with your head tilted for an entire weekend
    • Drive 10 hours in a single day
    • Painting for an entire weekend
  • A recent decrease in your physical activity or a change in your habits
  • Nouveau travail, nouveau sport ou nouvelle activité qui fait travailler votre cou d’une nouvelle façon. Par exemple :
    • Changing workstations
    • Starting a new job that requires more time at the computer than before

The role of the phone and posture is discussed in our resource, “Physical Therapy for Office Workers: Prevention and Treatment.”

Does a stiff neck mean that a vertebra is out of place?

A sensation of a stiff neck does not necessarily mean that a vertebra is out of alignment. It may be accompanied by pain or stiffness. A significant injury, weakness, or new numbness requires evaluation; urgent signs are detailed below.

The evaluation includes neck movement, strength, sensation, and reflexes. These observations help distinguish stiffness from a problem affecting a nerve or the spinal cord.

Pain that radiates down the arm may be caused by an irritated or compressed nerve root. Damage to this nerve root, known as cervical radiculopathy, can cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm 10. Other tissues in the neck can also cause pain felt in the arm, known as referred pain. The examination helps distinguish between these possibilities and identify any loss of strength, loss of sensation, or altered reflexes 4.

Do osteoarthritis and changes visible on imaging always explain the pain?

Changes visible on imaging, such as osteoarthritis or disc degeneration, do not always explain neck pain. Osteoarthritis refers to changes in a joint, particularly in its cartilage—the smooth layer that covers the ends of bones. It can be painful or asymptomatic. A review of spinal imaging studies found that these changes become more common with age 11. It describes, in particular, changes in disc structure and bulging, where the disc protrudes beyond its normal outline. It does not provide a specific measurement for the neck for each individual. The image must be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms and a physical examination 11.

L'inversion ou la perte de la courbure normale du cou, visible à la radiographie, est souvent une coïncidence: elle n'indique pas forcément la cause de la douleur.12, 13

« Il est important de savoir que l'imagerie révèle souvent des changements liés à l'âge qui peuvent aussi être présents sans douleur. À la colonne lombaire, par exemple, chez des personnes de 20 ans sans douleur, environ 37% montrent déjà des changements dans leurs disques; à 80 ans, c'est près de 96%.11 Au cou aussi, les disques et les articulations peuvent changer avec les années sans provoquer de douleur. »11, 14

Nakashima and his colleagues analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the necks of 1,211 asymptomatic volunteers. Disc bulging was present in 87.6% of the participants 14. Kato and colleagues also analyzed 1,211 volunteers to describe the size of the spinal canal—the bony passageway that contains the spinal cord—and the changes observed with age 15. These results show that an imaging finding must be interpreted in the context of your symptoms and your physical examination. They do not render every observation insignificant.

Twelve follow-up studies found no consistent link between neck imaging and future pain; however, some isolated findings showed associations 16. Another review estimated that asymptomatic spinal cord compression was visible on imaging in about one in four healthy adults. The prevalence increased with age and varied across populations 17.

In Kato’s study, 64 of the 1,211 participants showed spinal cord compression on MRI. In 28 participants, the spinal cord contained a brighter area on a type of image called a T2 15. These participants were asymptomatic 15.

To learn more about cervical osteoarthritis and its implications, you can read our comprehensive guide to cervical osteoarthritis.

Are MRI results reliable for explaining my pain?

An MRI can help answer a specific question, such as determining whether the spinal cord or a nerve root is affected. It does not automatically identify the source of the pain. Reports may also vary depending on the reader and the facility.

A study focusing on the lower back—rather than the neck—showed that a single 63-year-old patient, who underwent scans at 10 different centers, received 10 very different imaging reports: of all the abnormalities identified, none appeared in all 10 reports. 18 The ten exams were performed over three weeks; a total of 49 distinct findings were reported, and overall agreement among the centers was low. 18

An imaging finding may be relevant, incidental, or of uncertain significance. It must be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s symptoms, physical examination, and clinical presentation. To understand the limitations of imaging, see our article on medical imaging.

What problems can be associated with neck pain?

A sprain, whiplash, a herniated disc, cervicobrachial pain, osteoarthritis, torticollis, or cervical stenosis can all be accompanied by neck pain. Stenosis is a narrowing of the space through which the spinal cord or nerves pass. These conditions can produce similar symptoms. An evaluation helps determine their cause and the level of urgency.

Problem Description Development and Milestones
An injury known as a whiplash injury Injury to the muscles, ligaments, or joint capsules of the neck Follow-up care depends on the injury and the activities affected; any new weakness requires medical attention
Whiplash A sudden movement in which the head accelerates and then slows down Improvement is often seen within 2 to 3 months; symptoms may last longer
Cervical disc herniation Part of the disk extends beyond its usual boundary A herniated disc may shrink in size; lower back measurements do not predict the progression of neck symptoms
Cervicobrachial pain Neck or arm pain, which can have several causes The examination specifically checks for loss of strength or sensation in the arm
Stiffness known as torticollis Limited neck movement or range of motion, with several possible causes Course varies; reevaluate if stiffness worsens or is accompanied by new symptoms

What is a Neck Sprain?

A whiplash injury refers to an injury to the tissues of the neck, including the muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules. Ligaments connect bones; joint capsules surround the joints 19. This injury can result from a sudden movement, a twist, or a collision. Treatment depends on your symptoms and your functional abilities, not just the name of the injury. Our comprehensive guide to whiplash provides more details.

What is whiplash?

Le Whiplash, aussi appelé whiplash ou coup du lapin, survient lorsque la tête accélère puis ralentit brusquement, souvent lors d’une collision20. Le NHS indique une amélioration habituelle en 2 à 3 mois21, avec des symptômes parfois plus longs. Amélioration ne signifie pas disparition complète de toute douleur. Dans la synthèse de Carroll et ses collègues, une douleur initiale plus forte, davantage de symptômes, plus de difficultés dans les activités et certains facteurs psychologiques étaient associés à une récupération plus lente8. Notre guide complet sur le whiplash explique ces blessures.

What is a Herniated Disc in the Neck?

A cervical disc herniation occurs when part of a disc protrudes beyond its normal boundaries. It can irritate or compress a nerve root and contribute to pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm. The examination also looks for loss of sensation, weakness, and altered reflexes 4. Imaging alone is not sufficient to establish a diagnosis.

A hernia can sometimes shrink in size without surgery: this is known as spontaneous resolution. A meta-analysis of eleven follow-up studies on lower back pain estimates this resolution rate at 66.7% following non-surgical treatment. This figure does not predict the course of a neck herniation. Our comprehensive guide to cervical disc herniation explains the available treatment options. 22

Nakashima's study shows that some cases of spinal cord compression occur without symptoms 14. However, this does not mean you should ignore new weakness, clumsiness in the hands, or difficulty walking. These signs require immediate medical evaluation.

What is cervicobrachialgia?

Cervicobrachialgia refers to pain felt in the neck and arm. This term is one of several labels used to describe pain that originates in the neck and radiates down the arm, but these labels do not specify which mechanism is predominant. 23 Irritation of a nerve root is one possibility, especially when accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or altered reflexes; however, the examination also looks for other explanations. The review on cervical radiculopathy recommends distinguishing, through physical examination and imaging, conditions that may mimic nerve root compression. 4 For more information, see our comprehensive guide on cervicobrachialgia.

What is torticollis?

Torticollis refers to a tilted or turned position of the head, which is sometimes painful and difficult to correct. It may be present at birth or develop later in life. Its causes may involve the muscles, bones, eyes, brain, or nerves; certain medications can also cause torticollis 24. Seek medical attention if the stiffness worsens or significantly limits your activities. A fever, an unusual headache, weakness, or a major trauma requires prompt or urgent evaluation, depending on the signs detailed below. Our comprehensive guide to torticollis outlines the various situations.

When should I be concerned about my neck pain?

Neck pain following a significant injury, or accompanied by weakness, fever, an unusual headache, or difficulty walking, requires prompt medical evaluation. Certain symptoms—such as sudden difficulty speaking—warrant calling 911 immediately. The table lists these emergency situations.

A serious condition is rare, but even a single warning sign may warrant prompt evaluation. Do not wait several weeks if you experience new weakness, difficulty walking, a fever accompanied by severe stiffness, an unusual headache, or a significant deterioration in your condition.

What warning signs require medical attention?

Symptom What this might indicate Action required
Fever accompanied by severe neck stiffness, severe headache, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or sensitivity to light Possible infection or other medical emergency Emergency: Call 911 or follow local emergency instructions
New weakness in the arms or legs, new difficulty walking, or sudden loss of coordination Possible problem with the spinal cord or nervous system Immediate Medical Evaluation
Loss of sensation in the genital area or when wiping after a bowel movement Possible problem with the spinal cord or nerves Immediate Medical Evaluation
Significant or even complete loss of sensation in one or both arms Possible problem with the spinal cord or nerves Immediate Medical Evaluation
New episodes of bladder or bowel incontinence, or new difficulty urinating accompanied by weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking Possible problem with the spinal cord or nerves Emergency: Call 911 or follow local emergency instructions
Severe pain following an injury, accompanied by weakness, numbness, confusion, or an inability to move normally Possible severe neck injury Emergency: Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary, and call 911
Unexplained weight loss accompanied by constant or nighttime pain, fever, a history of cancer, or a worsening general condition General illness, infection, or cancer to be investigated Prompt medical consultation
Sudden numbness in the face or new difficulty swallowing, especially accompanied by speech, vision, or balance problems Possible brain or nerve problem Emergency: Call 911 or follow local emergency instructions

Une atteinte de la moelle dans le cou est appelée myélopathie cervicale. Elle peut entraîner une perte de sensibilité ou de force dans les bras et les mains, une marche difficile ou des troubles de la vessie. Les changements de la colonne liés à l’âge peuvent y contribuer25. Les conseils du NHS sur les signes d’atteinte cervicale26, de méningite27 et d’accident vasculaire cérébral28 appuient les alertes du tableau. Au Québec, le numéro d’urgence est le 911. N’attendez pas que tous les signes soient présents.

Signs That Require Urgent Medical Attention

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden, severe neck pain or pain that worsens rapidly
  • Tingling accompanied by pain in the neck or arm
  • Pain between the shoulder blades in this context

Signs That Call for 911

Call 911 if you notice any of the following signs:

  • Incontinence of urine or stool
  • One side of the face is sagging
  • Inability to keep both arms raised
  • Difficulty speaking

Un seul de ces signes peut suffire, et le NHS décrit les signes qui demandent des soins urgents26.

When can you manage pain without going to the emergency room?

Isolated pain or stiffness can be monitored if it improves and there are no warning signs. However, progressive numbness requires medical attention. A sudden speech problem or a sudden symptom affecting the face requires urgent care.

If there are no warning signs, temporarily adjust any activities that significantly worsen your symptoms and monitor how things progress. Seek an evaluation if your abilities decline, if the pain worsens, or if a new symptom appears.

A physical therapy appointment is recommended if neck pain persists, limits daily activities, or disrupts sleep—provided there are no urgent symptoms as described above. These symptoms require an immediate medical evaluation.

Can a neck problem contribute to headaches?

A neck problem can contribute to certain types of headaches, known as cervicogenic headaches. Diagnosis requires several corroborating signs. A review of 39 clinical trials—studies that compare treatments—found that the criteria for selecting participants varied widely 29. Some trials required pain on only one side and pain that was reproduced by a specific neck movement or posture. Neither of these signs alone is sufficient to confirm a cervical origin. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, your symptoms, and your goals.

Neck movements can affect certain types of headaches. The healthcare professional will ask you how the pain began, then examine your neck and look for signs that might point to another cause.

If pressing on a tender point in the neck exactly replicates your headache, this reaction provides a clue. It does not, on its own, prove a cervicogenic headache. In the studies reviewed, researchers combined several criteria and distinguished between possible, probable, and definite forms 29.

How long can neck pain last?

Une douleur au cou peut diminuer en quelques semaines, mais certains épisodes durent plus longtemps ou reviennent. Les conseils du NHS sur la douleur au cou30 donnent ce repère général; il ne s’applique pas à toutes les blessures. Après un Whiplash, l’amélioration prend souvent 2 à 3 mois, avec des symptômes parfois persistants.

10 Quick Tips to Understand Your Pain

One tip a day for 10 days to help you better understand your pain. About a 2-minute read.

A review of the general population reports that between half and three-quarters of people who had neck pain still reported it—or experienced it again—one to five years later 31. This includes recurring pain and does not imply continuous pain throughout all those years. Request a reevaluation if your functional abilities decline, if new symptoms appear, or if your progress does not align with the treatment plan.

You can use specific cues, such as turning your head to look around, sleeping, or resuming a task at work. These cues help you notice what’s changing and adjust your care accordingly.

Past experience alone is not enough to predict what will happen next. The plan can be reassessed based on current constraints, objectives, and the response to proposed changes.

What is meant by "central sensitization"?

Central sensitization refers to an increase in the response of certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These cells, known as nociceptors, are involved in processing signals related to tissue damage. As a result, they may react more strongly to normal or weaker signals 32. This neural activity is not pain itself.

Persistent pain or a questionnaire alone is not sufficient to confirm this mechanism in an individual. A 2015 review of neck pain without trauma or a specific cause identified six studies comparing groups. Their results were inconsistent. Central sensitization did not appear to characterize this entire population, although it may be present in some individuals 32. These findings do not apply to pain following a whiplash injury.

Previous pain, job demands, and available support are associated with neck pain in some studies of workers 33. Another review found links to a high workload, little support from coworkers, little control over tasks, and low job satisfaction 34. The strength of the evidence varies depending on the factor. Sleep and mood may also be factors to consider when they affect your daily life.

A 2024 study surveyed 609 nurses and paramedics in northeastern Poland 35. Recurrent pain was reported by 29.5% of paramedics and 9.3% of nurses. This cross-sectional study assesses each individual at a single point in time. It shows associations with certain work and health characteristics, without proving that they cause the pain. These prevalence rates do not represent the entire population.

What can physical therapy do to help with neck pain?

Physical therapy offers exercises, explanations, and sometimes hands-on treatment to reduce pain and make it easier for you to perform your daily activities. The choice depends on your symptoms, your activities, and your goals.

The plan can be adjusted based on changes in symptoms, exercise tolerance, affected activities, and the ability to incorporate changes into daily life. Possible signs of nerve root involvement, such as new weakness or loss of sensation, require an appropriate evaluation. Work posture can also be modified if it affects symptoms, without striving for a perfect position.

If your symptoms change significantly or if the plan does not allow you to gradually resume your activities, a reevaluation may be necessary to review the diagnosis and your options.

What are the frequently asked questions about neck pain?

Frequently asked questions about neck pain include its duration, neck braces, massage, returning to sports, imaging tests, and stress.

Neck pain often subsides within a few weeks; the choice of neck brace, massage, resuming sports, and imaging tests depends on the symptoms and the evaluation. Stress may also be a contributing factor, though it does not account for every instance of pain.

How long does typical neck pain last?

Une douleur au cou dure souvent quelques semaines, selon les conseils du NHS sur la douleur au cou30. Après un Whiplash, une amélioration prend souvent 2 à 3 mois. Certaines douleurs durent davantage ou reviennent. Faites réévaluer la situation si vos capacités diminuent, si la douleur s’aggrave ou si de nouveaux symptômes apparaissent. Les signes urgents demandent des soins avant ces délais.

Should I wear a cervical collar?

Le collier cervical n’est pas recommandé pour une douleur au cou ordinaire. Garder des mouvements tolérables est généralement préférable, selon les conseils du NHS sur la douleur au cou30. Si un médecin vous a prescrit un collier pour une blessure ou une autre raison précise, suivez ses consignes et la Duration prévue.

Do massages really help?

Le massage peut être discuté comme option complémentaire, mais ses effets dépendent du programme et du traitement auquel on le compare. La revue Cochrane de 2024 sur le massage9 rapporte peu ou pas de différence moyenne de douleur par rapport à un faux massage, jusqu’à environ 12 semaines, avec des données peu certaines. Le massage reste facultatif; il ne remplace pas un plan d’exercices adapté.

Can I exercise with neck pain?

Your return to activity depends on the cause, the sport, and your symptoms. If you’ve experienced an injury accompanied by weakness, progressive numbness, or loss of coordination—or if you’re involved in a contact sport—get an evaluation before resuming activity. Otherwise, gradually adjust the intensity and monitor your body’s response.

When is an MRI needed for neck pain?

An MRI may be useful if the examination raises suspicion of spinal cord or nerve root involvement, or another serious condition. After a trauma, the healthcare provider selects the type of imaging based on the specific injury being investigated. An MRI is not necessary for every case of neck pain. The cited review shows no benefit to routine imaging and recommends considering it only for clear symptoms that do not improve after 4 to 6 weeks 36. Warning signs require an earlier evaluation. The physician determines which test is appropriate and the best time to perform it.

Can stress cause neck pain?

Stress, mood, and sleep may be associated with the intensity or impact of pain in some people. These are associations, not evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. A review of 23 highly diverse studies found a link between depressive symptoms, anxiety, distress, or stress and poorer outcomes in only some of the analyses. The data were of low quality, and several studies found no link 37. Among adolescents, a review combining the results of several studies reported a link between neck pain and depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems 38. These factors are part of the broader context to be considered, though they do not, on their own, explain neck pain.

Would you like some professional advice?

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References

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Nos physiothérapeutes ont défini la stratégie de recherche, le plan et le contenu clinique de cet article. Un outil d’IA a soutenu la recherche documentaire et la révision du texte pour assurer une cohérence du contenu et du style d’écriture.

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Hip osteoarthritis is the normal wear and tear of the hip joint. It is often said that osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the cartilage between our bones. That is true, but it involves more than just the cartilage. Cartilage is a tissue that acts as a cushion between the surfaces of our bones and allows our joints to glide smoothly and move fluidly.

Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)

This is normal wear and tear of the knee joint. It’s often said that osteoarthritis is the wearing down of the cartilage between our bones. That’s true, but it’s more than just the cartilage. Cartilage is a tissue that acts as a cushion between the surfaces of our bones and allows our joints to glide smoothly and move fluidly.

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Lumbar osteoarthritis—or osteoarthritis of the lower back—is one of the most common findings on medical imaging. Yet it remains one of the least understood conditions. Seeing “arthritis” or “degenerative changes” on an X-ray or MRI report can be frightening. It suggests damage that can’t be repaired. It...
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A bursa is a small, thin sac filled with fluid that is found in many of the body's joints. This small sac acts as a cushion within the joint and lubricates the structures that are subject to increased friction.

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