What is an Chronic Neck Pain?

Chronic Neck pain is a very common condition and can arise from muscles, joints, discs, or nerves in the cervical spine (neck). It may result from poor posture, wear and tear (arthritis), previous injury, or simply prolonged strain on the neck structures. While most neck pain is not serious, it can be persistent and disabling if not managed correctly.

Neck pain may be localised, or it may be associated with headaches, shoulder pain, or nerve-related symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the arm.

It is important to distinguish facet joint pain from myofascial pain, especially in patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome, where muscles and
trigger points are the primary pain generators. These conditions are very common and require a different interventional approach.

What are the symptoms?

You may experience:

  • Aching, stiffness, or sharp pain in the neck
  • Pain worsened by movement, prolonged sitting, or sleeping in certain positions
  • Reduced neck mobility or feeling of tightness
  • Tension headaches (pain radiating to the back of the head)
  • Shoulder or upper back discomfort
  • In some cases, arm symptoms (tingling, numbness, or weakness) if nerves are
    affected

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

  • A detailed clinical history and physical examination.
  • Identification of mechanical patterns and movement restriction.
  • Imaging (MRI or CT scans) may be used in selected cases to rule out serious causes. However, scans often do not correlate with pain levels in mechanical neck pain.
  • If nerve pain is suspected, we may assess for nerve root involvement or facet joint-related pain

What treatments do we offer?

We provide a range of targeted, non-surgical treatments for persistent neck pain:
1. Cervical Facet Joint Interventions

  • For pain arising from the small joints of the neck (facet joints), we may offer:
    o Diagnostic medial branch blocks (to confirm the pain source)
    o Radiofrequency denervation for longer-term relief if blocks are successful
  • These procedures are image-guided and performed as day cases

2. Nerve Root Injections

  • If your neck pain is accompanied by arm pain or nerve symptoms, a selective nerve root block may help
  • This reduces inflammation and irritation of the nerve root and helps guide further
    treatment

3. Trigger Point Injections

  • For pain caused by muscle tension or spasm, especially in the upper trapezius or paraspinal muscles, we may offer trigger point injections
  • These are especially useful when muscle tightness is a major contributor to pain

4. Stellate Ganglion Block

  • In cases involving whiplash, sympathetic overactivity, facial pain, or upper limb complex regional pain, a stellate ganglion block may be considered

Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment

  • For persistent nerve-related neck pain, pulsed radiofrequency may be used to
    modulate nerve signals and provide longer-lasting pain relief without damaging the
    nerve

 

Self-Management & Rehabilitation Advice

  • We offer guidance on posture correction, activity pacing, and gentle stretching exercises
  • Physiotherapy, either independently or as a referral, may help restore neck mobility and reduce recurrence
  • Advice is provided on ergonomics, especially if your pain is related to desk work or sleep position

Medication Optimisation

We review your pain medications to ensure they are safe, effective, and necessary. In line with local prescribing guidelines, we do not prescribe opioids or pregabalin. These medications must be managed by your own GP. We may recommend safer alternatives and Support deprescribing where needed.

What to expect from treatment

  • Most people experience gradual improvement with the right combination of physical strategies and targeted interventions
  • All procedures are minimally invasive and performed as day-case treatments
  • Our goal is to help you reduce pain, restore function, and reduce reliance on medication

What we do not offer

  • We do not provide surgical interventions or spinal operations
  • We do not prescribe opioids or pregabalin, in line with local guidelines
  • We do not offer emergency care for acute neck trauma or neurological emergencies