Neck Pain
Neck pain is a very common complaint that can range from mild stiffness to severe, debilitating pain. When neck pain is accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands, it may have a neurological cause such as cervical disc herniation or cervical spondylotic myelopathy, requiring specialist neurological evaluation.
What Causes Neck Pain?
The cervical spine (neck region) is susceptible to wear, injury, and degenerative changes. When these affect the spinal cord or nerve roots, neurological symptoms can develop. A neurologist evaluates whether the neck pain has a nervous system component that requires targeted treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent neck stiffness or aching
- Pain radiating into shoulders, arms, or hands
- Numbness or tingling in fingers or arms
- Weakness in arms or hands
- Headaches originating from the neck (cervicogenic headache)
- Difficulty turning the head
- Balance problems or unsteady gait (in cervical myelopathy)
- Shock-like sensation down the spine on bending the neck (Lhermitte's sign)
Common Neurological Causes
Cervical Disc Herniation
A disc in the neck pressing on nerve roots causing pain and weakness in the arms.
Cervical Spondylosis
Age-related degeneration of the cervical vertebrae and discs leading to nerve compression.
Cervical Myelopathy
Compression of the spinal cord in the neck causing weakness, balance problems, and bladder dysfunction.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Compression or irritation of a nerve root in the cervical spine causing radiating arm pain.
Diagnosis
- Detailed neurological and clinical examination
- MRI Cervical Spine
- X-ray of the cervical spine
- CT Scan of the cervical spine
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG
- Blood tests to exclude inflammatory or infectious causes
Treatment Options
- Medications (analgesics, anti-inflammatory, neuropathic pain agents)
- Physiotherapy and cervical traction
- Cervical collar (for short-term stabilization)
- Epidural or facet joint injections
- Lifestyle and ergonomic modifications
- Surgical referral for myelopathy or refractory radiculopathy
- Regular neurological monitoring
When Should You See a Neurologist?
- Neck pain with arm weakness or numbness
- Radiating pain down one or both arms
- Balance difficulty or gait changes with neck pain
- Bladder or bowel problems with neck pain
- Neck pain after a whiplash injury
- Neck pain not responding to standard treatment
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced Consultant Neurologist
- Accurate Neurological Assessment of Cervical Conditions
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Evidence-Based Neurological Care
- Compassionate Patient-Centered Approach
- Comprehensive Follow-Up Care