TL;DR Quick answer
Persistent pain and stiffness in the neck, sometimes spreading to the shoulders, arms or head. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as physiotherapy-led rehabilitation, radiofrequency ablation and cervical facet joint injection.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About neck pain
Neck pain can arise from the joints, discs, muscles or nerves of the cervical spine. When it lasts for months, it can limit movement and contribute to headaches and poor sleep.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Stiffness and reduced range of movement; pain spreading to the shoulder blades; headaches starting at the base of the skull |
| Common causes | Cervical spondylosis (age-related wear); facet joint pain; disc herniation with nerve irritation |
| How it is diagnosed | Assessment includes examination of neck movement, nerve function and posture. |
| When to get help | See a doctor promptly if neck pain follows an injury or is accompanied by fever, weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, or problems with balance |
| Treatment options | Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Cervical Facet Joint Injection |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Stiffness and reduced range of movement
- Pain spreading to the shoulder blades
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Arm pain, numbness or tingling when a nerve is involved
Causes
- Cervical spondylosis (age-related wear)
- Facet joint pain
- Disc herniation with nerve irritation
- Whiplash and other injuries
- Postural strain
How it is diagnosed
Assessment includes examination of neck movement, nerve function and posture. Imaging is chosen based on the findings.
Treatment options
Treatment may include posture and ergonomic advice, targeted exercise, medication, and procedures such as cervical facet joint injections or medial branch radiofrequency ablation for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor promptly if neck pain follows an injury or is accompanied by fever, weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, or problems with balance.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation | Treatment | Guided exercise and movement to restore strength, flexibility and confidence. | Ongoing / varies |
| Radiofrequency Ablation | Procedure | Using controlled heat on small sensory nerves to interrupt pain signals from joints. | 45–90 minutes |
| Cervical Facet Joint Injection | Procedure | An injection into the small joints of the neck to diagnose and relieve neck pain. | 20–30 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
