Book an Appointment
Book a Callback
Neck Pain — Causes, Red Flags and Treatment
Also described as cervical pain, stiff neck, neck stiffness.
Most neck pain comes from muscle strain and posture and settles within weeks with movement and physiotherapy. Pain radiating down an arm with numbness suggests nerve compression, and a stiff neck with fever and headache needs emergency assessment for meningitis.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •Stiff neck with fever, headache and dislike of bright light — emergency
- •Neck pain after a fall or road accident
- •Weakness or clumsiness in the hands, or unsteadiness when walking
- •Bladder or bowel changes with neck pain
- •Neck pain with unexplained weight loss or night pain
What causes neck pain?
Cervical spondylosis
Age-related wear of the neck joints and discs, causing stiffness and aching.
Cervical disc herniation
Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm or fingers, with numbness or weakness.
Muscular strain and posture
The commonest cause, from screen work, phone use and sleeping position.
Cervical myelopathy
Cord compression causing hand clumsiness and unsteady walking. Needs prompt assessment.
Meningitis
Stiff neck with fever, severe headache and light sensitivity. A medical emergency.
How it is investigated
- ✓Neurological examination of the arms and legs
- ✓X-ray cervical spine for alignment and degeneration
- ✓MRI where arm symptoms, weakness or cord signs are present
- ✓Blood tests where infection or inflammation is suspected
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my neck pain go down my arm?▼
That pattern suggests a nerve root is irritated where it leaves the spine, usually by a disc bulge or bone spur. It typically follows one nerve's territory, with numbness or tingling in specific fingers. Most cases settle with physiotherapy and time; an MRI is warranted if weakness develops or symptoms persist.
What is the best sleeping position for neck pain?▼
On your back or side with a pillow that keeps the neck level with the spine — not so high that the head is pushed forward, nor so flat that it drops back. Sleeping on the stomach keeps the neck rotated for hours and commonly aggravates pain.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.