What is Referred Neck Pain?

Referred neck pain is pain that is felt in a part of the body that (to the person experiencing the pain) does not seem to be related to the issue at hand. Referred pain is believed to occur when there is a ‘mix up’ of the sensory nerves where the pain is felt, and the nerves from that actual part of the body where the problem is.

Causes

The most common reasons you may experience referred neck pain because of a disc bulge or abnormal neural tension (when the nerve becomes restricted or caught anywhere along its path).

Signs and Symptoms

You may experience deep pain that is difficult to pinpoint or describe. It may present as numbness, pins and needles, burning or tingling.

Referred neck pain is usually felt in the arm and/or hand, or head and/or face. You may also feel neck pain and/or stiffness and a decrease in mobility of the neck.

Treatment

Physiotherapists are specially trained to locate the underlying source of pain, and restore proper function to the area. Treatment techniques used may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisations, heat therapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound, dry needling, postural re-education and ergonomic assessment, and a home exercise program including stretching and strengthening exercises.