Neck Pain

Neck pain can be a debilitating problem with significant impact on one’s life. It can be caused by an injury to the spine, a slipped disc, arthritis or a muscular problem in the neck or shoulder area. It can be felt in the neck itself or referred to the shoulder or even the arm. Most people will have good days and bad days and depending on the cause of the pain, it can either improve naturally or will need intervention. This is not a pain that you have to live with and not a pain that should be ignored if improved is not seen.Causes

• Sleeping or working in an awkward position
• Stress
• Trauma or injury to the neck/ shoulder areas
• A whiplash injury possibly due to a car accident
• Arthritis
• Slipped disc in the neck
• Other causes including infection or a tumour

Symptoms

Neck pain in the mildest of cases can be felt as a mild ‘soreness’ in the neck area. The impact of neck pain can vary from patient to patient, however, it can be felt further afield, possibly in the shoulders as well as the arms and hands. This can lead to stiffness and even weakness in the arms or hands, which can impede functionality. The pain may move to the back of the head and radiate towards to the front. This can also lead to headaches. Associated tense musculature in the neck/shoulder area can lead to an extremely problematic condition with broad consequences.

Treatment

At the London Pain Clinic, you will receive a full assessment by a Specialist Pain Consultant, followed up with any necessary investigations to gain a diagnosis. This may include:

• Blood tests
• Diagnostic imaging including X-ray, CT scan or MRI scans

Once we have established a diagnosis, your consultant would design an individualised, holistic treatment plan to reflect the symptoms and the cause. This can include:

• Medication – A simple analgesic such as Paracetamol may help to ease the pain. Ibuprofen, which is an anti-inflammatory, may help as well in combination with Paracetamol
• You can use hot water bottles to help
• Maintaining mobility of the neck and the head is important to ensure the condition of the muscles in this area. One should stay active but avoid sudden jerky movements. This will stretch the muscles so that they remain relaxed
• Physical therapy rehabilitation – The London Pain Clinic have access to specialist pain physiotherapists who would provide a suitable, gentle graded exercise-based programme to target the affected area
• Chiropractors and osteopaths can be helpful and may need to be consulted
• Acupuncture – Is a considered treatment option which may be of benefit
• Injection therapy – In certain circumstances, some patients may benefit from an injection into the neck area to help relieve some of the pain. This will depend on your assessment will be discussed with your Pain Consultant. It can include a low dose steroid which may help to reduce some of the pain experienced in the problematic area.