Common Conditions

Neck Pain

Symptoms, Common Causes and Treatments

What is Neck Pain?

As one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, studies show that 2 in every 3 people experience neck pain for at least once in their lifetime. Besides psychosocial factors like depression and anxiety, one of the risk factors is having a prolonged static posture leading to strained muscles, ligaments, joints etc. Strained soft tissues may lead to tightness, pain, and restricted movement of the neck.

Symptoms of neck pain?

Neck pain often radiates from the neck towards the shoulder, upper back and arms, causing one or more of the following symptoms:

Headache
Muscle tightness and spasms
Difficulty moving the neck
Intensified pain from a prolonged static posture
(when driving or working in front of a computer)

7 Common Causes of Neck Pain

Muscle and ligament injury neck pain

As muscles endure prolonged physical stress or are consistently overextended, small tears can develop within the layers of connective tissues that surround them. Over time, these tears can worsen symptoms such as persistent neck and shoulder soreness, leading to the formation of hardened knots known as trigger points. These trigger points are tender to the touch and can intensify muscle pain and discomfort.

Facet joint neck pain

Facet joint neck pain arises when the cartilage and fluid-filled joints between two adjacent vertebrae become irritated or injured. This pain typically stems from acute injury or arthritic changes and manifests as a deep, dull, aching sensation. It often radiates discomfort to the shoulder, upper back, and across the upper body. Symptoms exacerbate with direct pressure on the facet joint during neck movement or periods of inactivity.

Muscle spasm neck pain

Neck pain from muscle spasms is characterised by a sudden, involuntary, and painful tightening of the neck muscles. This condition causes discomfort, stiffness, and limits the neck's movement. The exact causes of muscle spasms are frequently unclear but could stem from muscle injury, issues with spinal discs or nerves, or emotional stress.

Headache

Neck-related headache is often felt in the back of the head and upper neck. It is usually the result of muscle tension or spasm. Neck-related headache pain is usually dull or aching, rather than sharp; the neck might also feel stiff or tender and moving your neck makes it worse, hence patients are recommended to rest until they pass.

Nerve pain (Cervical Radiculopathy)

Each vertebra contains nerves branching off the spinal cord. Inflammation or anatomical damage around these nerves can impinge or irritate the nerve root, causing sharp, fleeting, burning sensations or a feeling of pins and needles. Nerve pain can occur after an injury or with age-related weakening of joint tissue. Depending on the severity of the injury, tingling sensations may spread throughout the arm or even into the hand, and may be worsened by movement.

Referred pain

When pain is experienced in a location other than its source and isn't caused by nerve root irritation, it is known as referred pain. Common signs and symptoms include a deep, cramping, or throbbing sensation and pain that radiates outward. Referred pain can manifest in the neck due to various sources, such as the heart or jaw, and may be associated with headaches, shoulder pain, or upper back pain.

Bone neck pain

Bone neck pain occurs when the cervical region of the spine is affected due to conditions like arthritis, disc degeneration, spinal canal narrowing (stenosis), or injury. Injury or diseases affecting the soft tissue structures of the cervical spine are the primary causes, although direct bone involvement can also lead to pain, requiring urgent medical attention. This pain is typically described as deep and achy, sometimes accompanied by weakness or signs of fracture. If you experience any of these symptoms of neck pain, seeking immediate medical attention is essential as they could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Treatment as Physiotherapist

Our physiotherapist utilises Manual Therapy to mobilize the stiff joints and relax the tight soft tissues. Electrophysical modalities and Trigger Point Acupuncture techniques are used to modulate pain and to promote healing. Most importantly, specific strengthening or mobility exercises are prescribed to address the root cause of the problem along with education on the cause and solution to the problem. Most importantly, we utilise one on one service that ensures the treatments are tailored to your specific condition and needs, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.

Conclusion

Neck pain is a common yet manageable condition that can greatly affect daily life. Through understanding its causes, identifying symptoms early, and practising preventive measures, you can actively reduce discomfort and promote neck health. Do not hesitate to seek professional medical advice to address the root cause and explore tailored treatment options.

Testimonials & Reviews

I came to them with chronic neck and knee issues, and they didn't just provide massage therapy. They took the time to thoroughly evaluate the source of my problems and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Through a combination of targeted hands-on therapy, customized strengthening exercises, and patient education, they helped me regain mobility and address the root causes of my pain. I learned the correct ways to strengthen the muscles and improve my posture to prevent future issues.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything and ensure I understood how to continue my progress at home. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I'm now pain-free and able to return to my regular activities without any limitations.

Arthur Liu

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I had never been a believer in physio therapy in the past or that my experience with multiple chain medical physiotherapy center had brought me nothing but temporary improvements. Until I had came across mobilize physiotherapy where they take the extra mile to examine your situation and tailor a physiotherapy session. The physiotherapists at Mobilize not only identifies the root cause and provide massages for pain relievers but also to provide take home exercises for improvements. I was never rush out the door for the next session and they ensure that I had receive the right treatment before the session ends.
I would highly recommend this physiotherapy center.

Edmond Chan

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As someone who regularly goes through the torment of backpain and neck pain, I was recommended by my friend to visit Mobilize Physiotherapy.
Everything - from appointment booking to the physiotherapy session itself - was very professional. Not only did Avery, my physiotherapist. give detailed explanations as he worked through my areas of pain, he taught me a few exercises that improve my core strength, which in turn could reduce my back and neck pain. Now, whenever I experience acute pain, I do these exercises and the pain eases away!
I highly recommend Mobilize Physiotherapy.

William Luk

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Had a sharp pain on the neck the other day i HAD to fix it orelse i wouldnt have been able to function the next day. They had a full booking but the receptionist knew i was pretty urgent so she tried her best to slot me in. The physio even spent time to teach me what to do after to prevent the neck pain happening again despite their busy schedule! Would highly recommend this place!

Carmen Wong

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Mobilize Physiotherapy is definitely my long trusted go to for physiotherapy. I have been treated by Avery himself over the years and he have always provided the highest care, treatment and advice.
I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone who suffer any sports-related or musculoskeletal conditions. All you need is to visit the right clinic and find the right person to help you!!!

Becks L

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Very professional therapy that doesn't only focus on passive treatment but also targets training of weak spots to improve overall performance and physiological sustainability.

Felix Lo

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