Living with persistent neck pain?
Neck pain can make even simple everyday activities uncomfortable. Whether your symptoms began after an injury or developed gradually over time, persistent neck pain can affect your ability to work, sleep, drive and enjoy daily life.
As a Consultant in Pain Medicine, I assess people with persistent neck pain to identify the underlying cause and develop an individual treatment plan. Treatment may include rehabilitation, medications, image-guided injections or radiofrequency ablation.
Common Causes
Cervical Facet Joint Pain
One of the most common causes of persistent neck pain.
Typically worse when looking upwards or turning the head. It can cause headaches.
Whiplash
Pain following a road traffic collision or sudden injury.
Symptoms may include stiffness, headaches and reduced movement.
Cervical Disc Problems
Disc degeneration or disc prolapse can sometimes contribute to neck pain and arm symptoms.
Nerve Pain (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness travelling into the shoulder or arm.
Persistent Neck Pain
Pain that continues despite physiotherapy, medication or previous treatment.
When Should You See a Specialist?
A specialist assessment may be appropriate if:
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Symptoms have lasted longer than 12 weeks
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Physiotherapy has not improved your symptoms
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Pain repeatedly returns
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Pain affects work or sleep
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Headaches are associated with neck movement
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You have arm pain or tingling
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You wish to understand whether injections or radiofrequency treatment may be appropriate
Treatment Options
Education and Self-Management
Understanding the diagnosis helps guide treatment and gives you confidence to return to normal activities.
Physiotherapy
Exercises and rehabilitation remain an important part of managing persistent neck pain.
Medication
Medication may help reduce symptoms while rehabilitation progresses.
Image-Guided Injections
For selected patients, cervical injections may help reduce pain or confirm the source of symptoms.
Radiofrequency Ablation
For carefully selected patients with confirmed cervical facet joint pain, radiofrequency ablation may provide longer-lasting relief than repeated injections.
Multidisciplinary Pain Management
Where pain persists despite treatment, a broader approach focusing on improving function and quality of life may be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my neck pain caused by arthritis?
Not necessarily.
Although arthritis is common, neck pain may also arise from muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves or the facet joints. A specialist assessment can help determine the most likely cause.
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Yes.
Pain arising from the upper cervical facet joints and surrounding muscles can sometimes contribute to headaches. Other causes of headache should also be considered.
Do I need an MRI?
Not always.
Many people with neck pain can be assessed without additional imaging. MRI is usually recommended when the findings are likely to influence diagnosis or treatment.
Is radiofrequency ablation effective for neck pain?
For carefully selected patients with confirmed cervical facet joint pain, radiofrequency ablation can provide significant pain relief that may last several months. It is not appropriate for every cause of neck pain.
Can I still exercise?
In most cases, yes.
Staying active and gradually returning to normal movement is usually beneficial. Specific advice depends on the underlying diagnosis.
When should I worry about neck pain?
Most neck pain is not caused by a serious underlying condition. However, urgent medical assessment is important if you develop significant weakness, problems with balance, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, fever, severe trauma, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
