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