NECK PAIN

Neck Pain is a common complaint I see regularly. There are many different causes behind neck pain, although they all present themselves similarly.

Pain can be felt anywhere between the base of the skull, down to the top of the shoulders.

Typical symptoms include;
● Muscle Tightness/Spasm
● Pain (Sharp or Achy in Nature)
● Radiating Pain into upper shoulders and down arms (Both side or just one side)
● Tingling, Numbness or Weakness

● Inability to move Head/Neck
● Headaches 

What causes these symptoms? 
Here is a list of common causes of neck pain:
● Muscular Spasm
● Facet Lock
● Strain/Sprain to the muscles & ligaments supporting the neck (for example; Whiplash)
● Cervical Disc Prolapse
● Spinal Stenosis
● 1st Rib Referral
● Osteoarthritis
● Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Ankylosing Spondylitis
● Fibromyalgia

The causes above can be treated and symptoms can be alleviated to different degrees depending on different patient factors.

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In rare cases, neck pain can be a symptom of something more severe and it’s important you know what this might be, and what to look out for!

Rarer Causes:
● Heart Attack
● Polymyalgia Rheumatica
● Meningitis
● Brain Aneurysm
● Vertebrobasilar Circulatory Disorders
● Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
● Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Symptoms to be looking out for, in conjunction with neck pain:
● Skin changes
● Vomiting/Nausea
● Chest Pain
● Shortness of Breath
● Arm and or jaw pain
● Fever/ headaches
● Pain persists more than one week
● Lumps in the neck
● Weakness
● Trouble swallowing
● Numbness/Tingling in arms
● Inability to move arms/legs

If you do experience any of these symptoms please do contact your local GP or seek advice from another health are provider.