Neck & arm pain
Neck pain is a very common problem and affects 1 in 2 people at some point in their lifetime. It has a higher incidence in females than males, and tends to peak in middle age. For most people, an acute onset of neck pain will resolve by 6-8 weeks with conservative management. However pain may persist in approximately 20% of people leading to chronic neck pain.
Chronic neck pain can arise from multiple causes. Some of these include: - Facet joint arthritis- Disc degeneration, disc prolapse, disc herniation, discogenic pain - Spinal canal stenoses
- Spondylolisthesis- Foraminal narrowing with nerve compression
- Muscle-related pain
- Whiplash injury
Referred neck pain occurs when the pain is felt in other areas neck to your neck. Commonly this involves headaches, pain in your shoulders, upper back or upper arm.
Radicular neck pain occurs when the nerves are compressed in your cervical spine. This leads to irritation and inflammation of the nerve. Symptoms experienced may include a sharp, shooting pain but can also be described as burning or electric shock-like pain. There may be associated numbness, tingling and weakness in the distribution of the nerve that is being compressed.
Neck pain is firstly assessed by a comprehensive assessment that involves a history, physical examination and interpretation of investigations (ie MRI / CT scan). Management often involves a multimodal approach including physiotherapy, pharmacology, and procedural intervention.
Procedures that may provide substantial relief of neck pain includes:
- Cervical facet joint injections
- Cervical facet joint rhizotomy
- Cervical epidural steroid injection with adhesiolysis
- Greater and lesser occipital nerve block with pulsed radiofrequency ablation
- Suprascapular nerve block with pulsed radiofrequency ablation (shoulder pain)
Helpful Resources:
- Musculoskeletal Australia: Neck pain information
- Versus Arthritis: Neck pain information
- Physiopedia: Cervical radiculopathy information
- Musculoskeletal Australia: Managing your pain
- The Pain Toolkit
DisclaimerThe above information is for general education only and is not intended as a substitute for your own independant health advice. At Western Pain clinic we comprehensively assess each patients pain condition and provide advice using the latest evidence-based treatments. If you would like to find out more information about neck and arm pain, please discuss this with our doctor during your consultation.