Axial Neck Pain

The neck is highly vulnerable to injury due to its flexible nature, holding up the weight of your head and being situated in an unprotected location.

Your backbone extends from the base of your head, down to just above the buttocks. The top part constituting the neck is known as the “cervical spine”.

There are a variety of causes of pain in this neck or "cervical spine" region:

• Muscle strain from prolonged bending of neck. For example reading while lying in bed or hunching over a computer or workplace.

• Damage to muscles or tendons (whiplash – when head is suddenly jerked backwards)

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)

• Cervical disk degeneration

• Herniated cervical disk – the cushion (disks) between spinal bones slips out from place

• Inborn abnormality of the bones of neck

• Meningitis

• Tumour growths

The skull, backbone (spine) and ribcage are collectively labelled as the “axial skeleton”. So it can be easy to understand that muscular pain (strain or injury) restricted specifically to the cervical area is identified as axial neck pain.

When to seek expert advise

It is always safe to get a bothersome pain checked out. Especially when the pain is severe, persistent for days with no relief, or spreads down to the arms or legs, getting a medical consult would be a good idea. Doctors at the Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital are highly trained professionals who will be able to gauge the severity of your complaints and act accordingly. 

Remember that accompanying headache, weakness, numbness or tingling are not good signs. If you have been in a traffic accident, diving accident or had a fall, then do not hesitate to access the 24/7 Emergency and Acute Care Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital for immediate and thorough evaluation.

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