Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is persistent discomfort in the cervical spine that can be felt as a deep ache, stiffness or sharp pain, and it frequently affects people whose work involves prolonged sitting, screen use or repetitive postures. Because the neck supports the head and allows a wide range of movement, it is vulnerable to both gradual wear and acute injury, and pain here often has knock-on effects on sleep, concentration and mood given how central the neck is to everyday movement.

Common contributors include cervical disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, muscular strain and postural overload, and pain may stay localised or radiate into the shoulders, upper back or arms if a nerve root becomes involved. Associated symptoms often include headaches originating at the base of the skull, tingling or numbness in the hands, and a noticeable reduction in neck range of motion. As with low back pain, several structures can contribute simultaneously, so an accurate diagnosis of the pain generator is central to effective treatment.

Physiotherapy focused on posture retraining and targeted strengthening is the foundation of care, supported by medication where needed. When a specific structure, such as a facet joint, is identified as the source, medial branch blocks or radiofrequency ablation can provide substantial and durable relief. Ergonomic changes to the workstation and daily habits, combined with an individualised exercise program, remain essential to preventing recurrence once pain has been brought under control.