Symptom · Cervical spine

Neck Pain

Stiffness, aching, or sharp neck pain that won't resolve. Learn the common cervical spine causes and when specialist review is needed.

What it feels like

Neck pain presents differently for different people. You might have a persistent stiffness that limits how far you can turn your head, a deep ache that spreads into your shoulders or upper back, or sharp pain that flares when you look up or down quickly. Sometimes neck problems also cause headaches at the base of the skull, or a heavy, tired feeling across the shoulder girdle.

Common triggers

Sustained postures with the head held forward — desk work, smartphones, and long drives are common culprits
Sleeping with the neck poorly supported, particularly on your front
Sudden sharp movements such as whiplash from a minor road collision
High-impact activities that jar the cervical spine repeatedly
Stress and muscle tension that accumulates across the neck and upper trapezius

When to seek help urgently

Seek urgent review if your neck pain is accompanied by:

Clumsiness in your hands — dropping objects, difficulty with buttons, or deteriorating handwriting
Weakness or heaviness in the arms or legs
Balance problems or a feeling of instability when walking
Bladder or bowel changes alongside neck symptoms

These features may indicate pressure on the spinal cord rather than a simple muscle or disc issue.

What to expect at consultation

Mr. Rath will conduct a careful neurological examination, assessing the strength and reflexes in both arms and, where relevant, the legs. He will review your MRI or CT scan if you have one, or advise on whether imaging is needed. The consultation ends with a plain-language explanation of what is happening in your cervical spine and the most appropriate path forward.

Take the next step

Talk to Mr. Rath about your symptoms.

Online and in-clinic consultations available across the North West.

Book Appointment