Relieve Neck Pain with Expert Care
Specialised treatment for neck pain offered by Dr Fong Poh Ling at Alpha Joints & Orthopaedics
Understanding Neck Pain
Common Neck Conditions and Symptoms
Neck pain presents in various forms, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, often accompanied by limitations in neck movement and functionality. Understanding these common conditions helps in identifying and treating neck pain effectively:
- Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or inflamed, causing pain that radiates down the arm and sometimes into the hands or fingers. Numbness, tingling, and weakness may also accompany the pain.
- Facet Joint Syndrome: Facet joints in the spine allow for smooth movement but can become inflamed due to injury or degeneration, leading to localized neck pain. Pain may worsen with certain movements or prolonged sitting.
- Cervical Spondylosis (Degenerative Disc Disease): As people age, the discs in the cervical spine may degenerate, leading to cervical spondylosis. This condition can cause neck stiffness, pain that worsens with movement, and occasionally, headaches due to nerve compression.
- Muscle Strain and Sprain: Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain or sprain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, resulting in acute pain, stiffness, and difficulty turning the head.
- Herniated Disc: A herniated disc in the cervical spine occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened outer layer. This can lead to neck pain, along with symptoms such as arm pain, numbness, or tingling if the herniated disc compresses nearby nerves.
Causes and Triggers of Neck Pain
Neck pain can stem from various factors, each contributing to discomfort and affecting daily life differently. Understanding these causes is crucial in developing targeted treatment plans for individuals seeking relief:
Prolonged periods of sitting with the head tilted forward, such as while working on a computer or using a smartphone, can strain the muscles and joints of the neck. Over time, poor posture can lead to chronic neck pain.
Jobs or activities that involve repetitive neck movements, such as painting, assembly line work, or playing musical instruments, can strain the neck muscles and ligaments, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause sudden and significant trauma to the neck. This trauma may result in strains, sprains, fractures, or even herniated discs, leading to acute or chronic neck pain.
As people age, the cervical spine undergoes degenerative changes. This includes conditions such as osteoarthritis, where the cartilage in the joints of the neck wears down over time, or cervical disc degeneration, which can lead to herniated discs and nerve compression.
Imbalances in the muscles supporting the neck can develop due to factors like weak core muscles, overdeveloped chest muscles, or muscular tightness. These imbalances can contribute to neck pain by altering neck alignment and increasing strain on the cervical spine.
Emotional stress or tension can lead to muscle tension and tightness in the neck and shoulders, exacerbating existing neck pain or triggering new episodes of discomfort.
Diagnosis and Treatment
We utilise diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRI scans, and electromyography to pinpoint the underlying cause of your neck pain. These tests help us identify conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, or nerve compression.
Personalised Treatment Strategies
- Non-Surgical Options: Medications, physical therapy, and interventional procedures like injections to manage pain and improve mobility.
- Surgical Solutions: When necessary, procedures like discectomy or cervical fusion are recommended for more severe cases.
When to Seek Treatment for Neck Pain
Meet Our Orthopaedic Spine Specialist
Dr Fong Poh Ling
Orthopaedic Spine Specialist
Dr Fong Poh Ling is an orthopaedic spine surgeon dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from neck pain and spine disorders. Her patient-centered approach emphasises personalised care and evidence-based treatments, ensuring optimal outcomes for every individual at Alpha Joints & Orthopaedics.
Meet Our Orthopaedic Spine Specialist
Dr Fong Poh Ling
Orthopaedic Spine Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Say Goodbye to Neck Pain
Don’t let neck pain keep you from enjoying life. Contact us at Alpha Joints & Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation with Dr Fong Poh Ling. Find the relief you deserve today.