What are the most common causes of neck pain?

Written by: Dr Rajesh Menon
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In one of our latest articles below, Dr Rajesh Menon, a revered consultant in anaesthetics and pain management, outlines some of the most common causes of neck pain, before detailing how the underlying cause(s) of neck pain are typically diagnosed. 

What are the most common causes of neck pain?

The most common causes of neck pain include the following:
 

  • neck strain
  • neck spasms
  • whiplash injury
  • ageing
  • growths (spurs, cysts)
  • emotional stress

 

How is the cause of neck pain diagnosed?

Medical history is vital when it comes to the diagnosis of one’s neck pain. It gives us an idea as to whether or not the neck pain points towards any red flags such as cancer. A physical examination will also be carried out to identify where exactly the pain is and where it is originating from.

 

 

What are the treatment options?

Patients who suffer from neck pain will be encouraged to do some small neck exercises on a regular basis. Resting for a few days can also greatly help, especially in the case of acute neck pain.

 

When it comes to chronic neck pain, some medications may relieve someone’s neck pain. We always give patients non-steroidal medication. Where necessary, injections can also be used as a treatment option for neck pain. 

 

Surgery is an option when every other available treatment option fails. The most important thing to do is to build strength around the neck muscles.

 

 

When should I see a doctor for neck pain?

If the neck pain is very severe and it is causes weakness and pins and needles in your hand(s), you certainly should see a doctor. If the pain persists for more than three months, and when patients also suffer from persistent headaches, you should also certainly see a specialist as soon as possible.

 

 

To schedule in an appointment with Dr Rajesh Menon, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today. 

By Dr Rajesh Menon
Pain medicine

Dr Rajesh Menon is a highly experienced and skilled consultant in anaesthetics and pain management, based in Elland, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. He specialises in pain management, focusing on chronic regional pain syndrome, low back pain and chronic abdominal pain.

He possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the medical field, initially graduating from the University of Calicut with Bachelor of Medicine, before pursuing a doctorate of medicine and a diploma in anaesthesia from the Mahatma Gandhi University, receiving a first class honours in both. He is currently working at the Spire Elland Hospital as a consultant in anaesthetia and pain medicine, as well as part of the NHS Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

Alongisde his experience in chronic pain, he also holds experience working in palliative care, neurosurgery, gynaecology, surgery, orthopaedics and as part of a musculoskeletal team in managing patients with chronic pain.

Dr Menon is a firm believer in a holistic approach to pain management, concentrating on the functional and emotional well-being of patients, as well as pain relief. He considers patient empowerment to be of utmost importance, with a focus on honesty, communication and collaboration between doctor and patient. 

As part of his role as surgical division representative in the medical mangement committee of the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Menon has developed guidelines for primary and secondary care, in keeping with the latest developments in the field of neuropathic pain management, opioids in pain management and opioids tapering guidelines.

Dr Menon is a fellow of the College of Anaesthetics, part of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine, part of  The Royal College of Anaesthetics (FFPMRCA).

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