Neck Pain

Neck pain can arise from various causes, ranging from minor to more serious conditions.

Here are some common causes:

  • Muscle strain and tension
  • Whiplash injury
  • Sports injuries, falls, or impact injuries
  • Cervical spondylosis (age-related degeneration of spinal discs)
  • Herniated or bulging discs in the neck
  • Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Fibromyalgia or chronic pain conditions
  • Presentation:

    It varies and may include the following symptoms:

  • Localised Neck Pain
  • Referred pain in the shoulders, upper back, arms, or head
  • Difficulty turning or moving the head
  • Sudden, tight, and painful spasms in the neck muscles
  • Headaches often occur at the base of the skull
  • Dull or aching pain: commonly associated with muscle strain or poor posture
  • Sharp or stabbing pain: often linked to nerve involvement
  • A burning or tingling sensation indicates nerve irritation or compression in the spine
  • Stress or anxiety may exacerbate pain perception and muscle tension
  • Assessment and Diagnosis:

    To effectively understand and treat neck pain, a thorough evaluation is essential for identifying the underlying cause. This includes the following components:

  • Comprehensive history and assessment
  • Investigation: MRI, X-ray, CT scan, Nerve conduction studies
  • Follow-up for the personalised multimodal management plan
  • Review of the agreed-tailored pathway outcomes
  • Multimodal Treatment:

    Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and may include:

    • Initiation of oral analgesics
    • Physiotherapy for core muscle strengthening exercises
    • Spinal injections to the medial branches of the cervical facet joints
    • Radiofrequency ablation of the medial branches of the cervical facet joints
    • Psychological support: stress management, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
    • Surgical consultation, if necessary