Neck pain

Facet joint pain

Cervical facet joint pain occurs when the facet joints in the neck become irritated or inflamed. Facet joint pain can be caused by degeneration in the spine, trauma, repetitive strain, and prolonged postural strain of the neck.

Common symptoms:

  • Localised or focal neck pain often felt on one side of the neck.

  • Referred Pain to the head, shoulders, and upper back.

  • Stiffness and difficulty turning or tilting the head.

  • Worse with certain activities such as prolonged sitting (computer work).

  • Tenderness to touch over the affected joint..

Whiplash injury

A whiplash injury occurs when the neck is forcefully and rapidly snapped back and forth. This type of injury commonly results from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, or other types of trauma.

Common symptoms:

  • Neck pain and stiffness (usually worse with neck movement).

  • Headaches, shoulder, arm, or back Pain (pain can radiate to these areas)

  • Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands.

  • Fatigue and Dizziness

  • Cognitive and emotional symptoms (important to rule out concomitant injuries such as concussion)

Levator scapula strain

One of the most common neck pain issues we see in the practice, the levator scapulae muscle runs along the side of the neck from the cervical spine (C1-C4) to the upper part of the shoulder blade (scapula). This muscle plays a key role in lifting the scapula during shoulder movements, and assists in neck movement. Common causes of pain or injury include poor posture and shoulder girdle tension, overload of the muscle (awkward lifting), and repetitive neck and shoulder movements (certain occupations or sports).

Common symptoms:

  • Pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulder, or upper back.

  • Difficulty turning the head to the side.

  • Tenderness along the side of the neck or upper shoulder blade.

  • Pain and fatigue with specific neck movements or prolonged positions.

  • Muscle spasms in the neck or shoulder (very acute cases can become torticolis)

Brachial plexus injury

The brachial plexus is a bundle or network of nerves that supply and innervate the upper limb. The plexus is formed from the C5 to T1 spinal nerves as they exit the spine - they then travel between the scalene muscles of the neck en route to the upper limb. An overstretch of the nerves is the most common cause of injury, sometimes known as a ‘stinger’ or ‘burner’ - this is common in certain sports or due to other types of trauma.

Common symptoms:

  • Weakness or paralysis in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

  • Loss of sensation in the affected area.

  • Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain.

  • Deformities in the posture of the arm (e.g., "waiter's tip" position in Erb’s palsy).

Nerve root related neck pain

Often characterised by neck pain and radicular symptoms (pain and/or changes to sensation and strength in the arm and hand on the affected side), the nerve roots exiting the spine in the neck may be compromised by a number of structures and mechanisms of injury, including a trauma, a disc, a bony growth (osteophyte), inflammation, and degenerative changes (wear and tear).

Potential symptoms:

  • Persistent neck Pain

  • Radiculopathy: Pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into the shoulders, arms, and fingers.

  • Muscle Weakness: Weakness in specific muscles in the arm or hand.

  • Myelopathy (in severe cases) leading to symptoms like difficulty walking and poor coordination.

Cervical spondylosis

Osteoarthritis of the neck, sometimes known as cervical spondylosis, can reduce the stability and congruency of a joint, and may also result in inflammation which could be painful.

Wear and tear of our joints is a naturally occurring process as we age, and won’t necessarily cause pain.

However if you are suffering from joint pain as a result of wear and tear, symptoms may include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness

  • Headaches around the base of the skull.

  • Radiating pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, or hands due to nerve compression.

  • Tingling or numbness: Caused by nerve irritation or compression

  • Weakness in the arms or legs (In severe cases)

Postural imbalances

Upper Crossed Syndrome is a very common postural imbalance characterised by a combination of overactive and underactive muscles in the upper body. It is often associated with prolonged sitting and poor posture that lead to muscle imbalances. It is characterised by a forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and an exaggerated upper back curve.

Posture habit don’t necessarily lead to pain, but in some instances it may be a contributing factor.

Common symptoms:

  • Neck pain or stiffness

  • Shoulder pain or aches

  • Upper back tightness

  • Tension headaches

  • Reduced range of motion in the neck and shoulders

  • Tingling or numbness in the arms (in severe cases)