Neck Pain in Peterborough

Neck pain is one of the most common problems people experience. Almost everyone feels it at some point in life—whether after sleeping in an awkward position, spending hours at the computer, or carrying heavy bags. Most of the time, neck pain is not dangerous and improves on its own. But sometimes it can be more serious and require medical care.

This page explains what neck pain is, what causes it, the common symptoms, and what you can do to manage and prevent it.

What is Neck Pain?

The neck (also called the cervical spine) is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and discs that support the head and allow movement. Because the neck is flexible and carries the weight of the head, it is especially prone to strain and injury.

Neck pain may feel like a dull ache, stiffness, or sharp pain. Sometimes it spreads to the shoulders, arms, or head.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Muscle Strain

Looking down at phones (“tech neck”), sitting at a desk too long, or sleeping in an awkward position can strain the muscles.

Injury

Car accidents or sudden movements can cause whiplash, where the head is forced back and forth quickly.

Arthritis and Aging

As people get older, the discs and joints in the neck can wear down, causing stiffness and pain.

Poor Posture

Slouching, hunching over computers, or using an unsupportive chair can lead to chronic neck discomfort.

Medical Conditions

Rarely, infections, tumours or diseases like meningitis can cause neck pain and require urgent treatment.

Types of Neck Pain

• Short-term (Acute) – lasts days to weeks, often from minor strain.
• Long-term (Chronic) – lasts 3 months or more, often due to arthritis or disc problems.
• Mechanical Pain – caused by muscles, ligaments or joints.
• Nerve-related Pain (Radicular) – pain spreading to arms/hands due to pinched nerves.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

• Stiffness – difficulty turning your head.
• Limited movement – pain that gets worse when you move.
• Headaches – tension headaches from tight neck muscles.
• Radiating pain – pain spreading into shoulders, arms, or back.
• Tingling or weakness – possible nerve involvement.

If you have numbness, weakness, severe headache, fever, or trouble walking, seek medical help immediately.

Neck Pain Treatment

Self-Managing Neck Pain at Home

• Rest and avoid activities that make it worse.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours, then heat to relax muscles.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (paracetamol or ibuprofen).
• Try gentle stretching and neck exercises once the pain improves.
• Improve your posture—keep screens at eye level, sit upright, and use supportive pillows.

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

A physical therapist can teach exercises, improve posture, and use hands-on techniques to relieve pain.

Pain Relief Medications and Injections for Neck Pain

If pain is severe, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain killers, muscle relaxants or give steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes, Botox injections can help with stiffness and in severe arthritis, X ray guided injections can be tried (facet joint / medial branch blocks). You can schedule a consultation with a neck pain specialist at Ramsay Health to discuss this further.

Surgery for Neck Pain

Very rare, but may be needed if there’s severe nerve compression, spinal cord issues, or major disc problems. You can schedule a consultation with a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in spinal surgery at Ramsay Health Care to discuss this further.

Neck Pain Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a clinical examination. The exam will include checking for tenderness, numbness and muscle weakness. If there are symptoms involving your arms, reflexes and tone will also be checked. The doctor will test how far you can move your head forward, backward and side to side.

Imaging tests might help find the cause of the neck pain. Examples include:

• X-ray - X-rays can reveal areas in the neck where the nerves or spinal cord might be pinched by bone spurs or other changes. It can also reveal fractures or misalignment.
• CT scan - CT scans produce detailed cross-sectional views of structures inside the neck. Often useful if metal implants are present or to rule out other bone lesions.
• MRI scan - MRI scans create detailed images of soft tissues and bones. The soft tissues include the disks, the spinal cord and the nerves coming from the spinal cord. It's possible to have X-ray or MRI evidence of structural problems in the neck without having symptoms. Imaging studies are best used with a careful history and physical exam to determine the cause of pain.

When to See a Doctor About Neck Pain

If you have numbness, weakness, severe headache, fever, or trouble walking, seek medical help immediately. Appropriate settings include acute GP or Emergency Departments.

Neck Pain Support at Ramsay 

Neck pain is very common, but most cases are not serious and improve with self-care. The key is to rest, improve posture, stay active with gentle exercises and if symptoms don’t go away or get worse, seek help. 

Ramsay Health Care offers expert diagnosis and treatment for neck pain, including fast access to consultations and surgery if required. Contact us today to book an appointment today with a neck pain specialist.

Neck Pain FAQs