What is neck pain? 

Neck pain is discomfort in any of the structures in the neck. These include the muscles, nerves, bones (vertebrae), and the discs between the bones. It can range from minor, temporary discomfort to chronic, severe pain that can limit mobility and quality of life. Here are some common types of neck pain:

  • Acute neck pain: acute neck pain is a sudden onset of pain in the neck area, often due to muscle strain, sprains, or other soft tissue injuries. It can result from improper lifting of heavy objects, sudden movements, or accidents. The pain is typically temporary and improves with rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and gentle stretches.
  • Chronic neck pain: chronic neck pain, also called cervicalgia, is neck pain that lasts three months or longer. It can be due to conditions such as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, or long-term poor posture. 
  • Muscle tension and strain: muscle tension and strain is the most common type of neck pain, often resulting from behaviours like poor posture, spending too long in an awkward position, or stress that leads to muscle tension. The pain is typically a general soreness or tightness in the neck muscles.
  • Whiplash: whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by a sudden head-jerking motion, often occurring during car accidents. It can cause acute neck pain and stiffness, with symptoms possibly appearing hours or days after the incident.
  • Cervical radiculopathy: cervical radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve, occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated when it branches away from the spinal cord. This can cause pain that radiates down the arm and possibly into the hand, often accompanied by numbness or weakness in the arm.
  • Cervical spondylosis: cervical spondylosis, also known as the arthritis of the neck, refers to the age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in the neck. Over time, this wear and tear can lead to a narrowing of the space needed by the spinal cord and the nerves that pass through the spine to the rest of the body.
  • Cervical herniated disc: cervical herniated disc occurs when the inner core of a spinal disc in the neck herniates or leaks out, pressing on a nearby nerve. It can cause neck pain and numbness or weakness in the arms.
neck pain singapore
Discogenic pain is a chronic lower back arising from intervertebral disc problems.

What causes neck pain? 

Neck pain can be caused by various factors, often involving the structures of the neck, such as muscles, nerves, bones, and joints. Here are some common causes of neck pain:

  • Muscle strain and tension: muscle strain and tension are the most common cause of neck pain and can result from overuse, such as sitting at a desk for too long without changing position, sleeping with the neck in a bad position, or twisting the neck during exercise.
  • Injury: the neck is particularly susceptible to injury, especially from falls, car accidents, and sports, where the muscles and ligaments are forced to move outside their normal range.
  • Wear and tear: osteoarthritis is a common cause of neck pain. As you age, the cartilage between the vertebrae deteriorates, and the formation of bone spurs can affect joint motion and cause pain.
  • Nerve compression: herniated discs or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness (cervical radiculopathy).
  • Diseases: certain diseases can cause neck pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancers that involve the neck area.
  • Poor posture: chronic neck pain can often be attributed to poor posture or degeneration of the spine, especially in people who spend many hours sitting, often with a forward head posture, increasing strain on the neck.
  • Stress: psychological stress can lead to tension in the neck muscles, resulting in pain and stiffness.
  • Degenerative disc disease: degenerative disc occurs when discs naturally age, causing them to lose height and elasticity, leading to pain and possible nerve impingement.
  • Whiplash: sudden forward and backward motion of the neck, often in a car accident, can cause whiplash injuries, leading to acute neck pain and long-term discomfort. 
whiplash neck injury singapore
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement, commonly resulting from vehicle accidents or sudden impacts.

What are the symptoms of neck issues? 

The symptoms of neck conditions vary depending on the underlying cause and severity. Common symptoms of neck pain include:

  • Pain and stiffness: pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of neck pain. The pain can be localised to the neck area or may radiate down to the shoulders, arms, or back. Stiffness or a decreased range of motion in the neck can also occur.
  • Sharp pain: often described as a stabbing or stinging sensation, this type of pain is usually localised to one spot and might be triggered by certain movements or positions.
  • General soreness: a dull, aching pain in the neck area is common, and it might be felt across a broader area rather than localised to one spot.
  • Radiating pain: this can extend beyond the neck to the shoulders, arms, fingers, or head. It often indicates nerve irritation or compression, such as in the case of a herniated disc or cervical radiculopathy.
  • Numbness or tingling: these sensations can occur if nerve compression in the neck affects the arms or hands, indicating a need for prompt medical evaluation.
  • Headaches: neck pain, especially at the skull base or in the back of the head, can sometimes be associated with headaches.
  • Muscle weakness: if neck pain is caused by nerve compression, there might be muscle weakness in the arms or hands.
  • Fatigue: chronic neck pain can lead to general fatigue or discomfort, affecting overall well-being and energy levels.
  • Trouble swallowing or speaking: though less common, this can occur if the neck pain is related to certain diseases or cervical spine problems.
headache and neck pain singapore
Headaches are a common symptom of neck pain, often stemming from muscular tension, nerve compression, or cervical spine issues.

When neck pain is accompanied by symptoms like severe headaches, limb weakness, trouble swallowing or speaking, or if it follows an injury like a car accident, immediate medical attention is advised to rule out serious conditions.

Who is at risk of neck pain in Singapore? 

In Singapore, certain groups of people are more at risk of developing neck pain due to various factors such as lifestyle, occupational hazards, and health conditions. Here are some groups who might be more susceptible to neck pain:

  • Office workers and students: individuals who spend long hours in front of computers or looking down at their phones or tablets are at risk. Poor posture, such as slouching or craning the neck forward, can lead to muscle strain and neck pain.
  • Drivers: individuals who drive for long periods can develop neck pain from prolonged sitting and maintaining the same position.
  • Ageing population: older adults are at higher risk due to degenerative changes in the neck vertebrae and discs. Conditions like osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis become more common with age.
  • Manual labourers: those engaged in jobs that require physical exertion, heavy lifting, or repetitive motion, such as construction workers, warehouse staff, or those in the manufacturing sector, are at higher risk of neck strain and injuries.
  • Athletes: especially those involved in contact sports, gymnastics, or activities that may strain the neck or lead to potential injury.
  • Individuals with pre-existing health conditions: people with a history of back or neck problems, arthritis, or other chronic musculoskeletal issues are more prone to neck pain.
  • People under high stress: stress can lead to tension in the neck muscles, resulting in pain and stiffness.

How is neck pain diagnosed? 

Neck pain is typically diagnosed through clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests such as:

  • Medical history: your specialist will start by asking about your symptoms, including the location, intensity, duration of the pain and any activities or injuries that may have contributed to the onset of the pain. They will also inquire about associated symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness.
  • Physical examination: the neck and surrounding areas will be examined for tenderness, swelling, and abnormalities. The range of motion, muscle strength, and nerve function in the neck and limbs will be assessed to identify the affected areas and possible nerve involvement.
  • Neurological examination: this part of the examination helps assess the neck’s reflexes, muscle strength, pain spread, and nerve function to check for signs of nerve compression or damage.
  • Imaging tests:
    • X-rays: X-rays reveal areas of the spine where the nerves or spinal cord might be pinched due to spinal degeneration, fractures, or other abnormalities.
    • Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans provide more detailed images than X-rays and can help detect herniated discs, bone spurs, or other potential causes of neck pain.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): an MRI gives detailed images of the body’s soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerves, and discs. It is particularly useful in diagnosing soft tissue disorders like herniated discs or pinched nerves.
  • Electrodiagnostic tests: tests like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) may be conducted to evaluate the electrical activity in nerves and muscles. These tests can help pinpoint the location and extent of nerve damage.
  • Blood tests: in rare cases, blood tests may be necessary to identify inflammation, infection, or other medical conditions contributing to neck pain.

The specific diagnostic approach can vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and the suspected cause of neck pain. The diagnosis helps create an effective treatment plan according to the patient’s needs.

neck xray
An X-ray of the neck allows for visualisation of any abnormalities contributing to neck pain.

What are the treatment options for neck pain in Singapore?

The treatment options for neck pain range from conservative care to interventional therapies, depending on the severity and cause of the pain. Here are some common treatment modalities used:

  • Pain medication: over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen can be used to manage pain. In more severe cases, prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants, may be needed.
  • Cervical collars: cervical collars are often used for short-term relief after an acute neck injury or surgery. They help to stabilise the neck, reduce pain, and prevent further injury by limiting movement. However, long-term use is generally discouraged due to potential weakening of the neck muscles.
  • Injection therapies: for more severe or persistent neck pain, injections such as epidural steroid injection or nerve blocks may be considered to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Nucleoplasty decompression: this is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat herniated discs causing neck pain. Nucleoplasty uses radiofrequency energy to remove a small portion of the problematic disc, reducing its size and relieving pressure on the affected nerves. The procedure involves inserting a needle-like device into the disc under imaging guidance and then using radiofrequency energy to decompress the disc.
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targets the nerves that supply the facet joints, which can be a source of neck pain. During the procedure, a needle is inserted near the affected nerves, and radiofrequency energy is used to heat and disable the nerve fibres that carry pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
  • Physical therapy: a physiotherapist can design a customised program of exercises and stretches to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility. Physical therapy may also include techniques like massage, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and stiffness.
  • Self-care and lifestyle changes: mild neck pain can often be managed with rest, ice or heat application, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Adjusting posture, ergonomic improvements at the workplace, regular exercise, and stress management can also help alleviate symptoms.
cervical collar singapore
In cases of minor neck pain, a cervical collar can help stabilise the neck, reduce pain, and prevent further injury by limiting movement.

Treatment choice depends on the underlying cause of the neck pain, its severity, and the individual’s overall health and preferences. Individuals need to consult a pain specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition. If you are suffering from neck pain, schedule an appointment with us for a thorough diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions

Regular exercise to strengthen neck muscles, maintaining good posture, and ergonomic adjustments to workstations can help prevent neck pain. Regular breaks to stretch and move during long periods of sitting are also beneficial. 

Consult a doctor if neck pain is severe, persists for several days without relief, is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, or headache, or results from an injury like a car accident. 

Neck pain accompanied by symptoms like severe headache, loss of strength, trouble walking, or changes in bladder or bowel function can be a sign of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Yes, sleeping in an awkward position can strain the neck. Using a supportive pillow that aligns the neck with the spine and adopting a sleeping position that maintains the natural curve of the neck can help prevent and alleviate pain.