Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common condition affecting the cervical spine and can limit mobility and daily activities. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, including conservative care and surgery, helps manage symptoms effectively. Early evaluation ensures proper care and relief.

What is Cervical Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common condition that affects the most mobile segment of the spine — the cervical region. This movement is essential for daily activities, but the same mobility also makes the neck prone to discomfort.

Neck pain has the potential to be severely crippling and impact meaningful function. It may be short-lived or may even last up to months and years, hence it is critical that the pain is evaluated accurately, and the right treatment is instituted for its resolution.

You Are Not Alone

At any given time, 10-20% of the global population experiences back pain, and up to 50-70% of adults will experience this discomfort at some point in their lives. In fact, I am sure we all know of friends and/or family members who believe that neck pain is just part and parcel of life. This should never be the case.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Fortunately, most of the causes of neck pain are relatively benign. Listed below are some of the most common causes:

• Muscle strains, sprains and spasms. These may be related to accidents, falls, and carrying of heavy loads,
• Poor posture. Poor ergonomics for prolonged periods can exacerbate pain.
• Arthritis of the spine (Cervical Spondylosis). Age-related changes can cause degeneration of discs, tears or bone spur formation.

Causes That Need to Be Excluded

While many cases are self-limiting, some serious conditions require urgent evaluation and targeted neck pain treatment:

• Degenerative cervical spinal conditions that impair nerve function
• Fractures
• Tumours
• Infections

You should seek immediate medical attention if neck pain is accompanied by:

• Persistent pain unresponsive to painkillers
• Shooting pain down the arms, numbness, or weakness
• Clumsiness of the hands
• Unsteadiness when walking
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite

Diagnosis and Assessment

Accurate diagnosis is the first step in effective neck pain treatment. It ensures that serious causes are ruled out and appropriate care is implemented.

Dr Mark Tan BH will conduct:

• A detailed clinical and medical history review
• A complete physical examination, including nerve testing

Based on the findings, further investigations may include:

• Radiographs
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Nerve conduction studies

These help guide the best course of neck pain treatment tailored to your condition.

Conservative Neck Pain Treatment

Non-surgical treatment is typically the first-line in our treatment plan for patients with isolated neck pain. This includes medications such as oral painkillers and referrals to a Physiotherapist to alleviate your pain.

On occasion, pain relieving modalities, such as injections to the nerve roots or facet joints and radiofrequency ablation techniques, may be utilized to facilitate physiotherapy and expedite early return to function.

When is Surgery Needed?

Surgical treatment is rarely the first choice for isolated neck pain unless the condition has also affected nerve function. This form of treatment is usually only employed when neck pain persists and affects function, and when it does not respond to conservative management.

Some of the diagnoses that may require surgical intervention include:

• Cervical spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Scoliosis and Deformity
• Previously mentioned sinister causes of neck pain

The surgical procedure will be decided by Dr Mark Tan BH based on your condition.

Finding Relief from Neck Pain

Persistent neck pain can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. Early evaluation and appropriate care can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent further issues.

You may wish to discuss your neck pain condition with Dr Mark Tan BH in Singapore to explore appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.