Condition
Neck pain
Neck pain is usually caused by strain and posture, particularly from long hours at a desk or screen, and settles with simple measures. Pain that runs into the shoulder and arm with tingling or numb fingers suggests a nerve in the neck is being pressed and should be assessed.
What it feels like
- Stiffness and aching in the neck, worse at the end of the day
- Pain spreading to the shoulder blade or down the arm
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Difficulty turning the head, for example when driving
Common causes
Posture and strain
Sustained positions at a screen, phone use and poor sleeping posture load the neck muscles and joints.
Cervical spondylosis
Age-related wear of the discs and joints of the neck, which can narrow the space for nerves.
Disc prolapse
A bulging disc in the neck pressing on a nerve, causing arm pain, tingling or weakness.
Whiplash and injury
Sudden movement of the neck in a vehicle collision or fall, straining muscles and ligaments.
When to seek care straight away
Be seen the same day, or call the emergency line, if:
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands, or dropping objects
- Unsteadiness walking, or changes in bladder control
- Neck pain after a road accident or fall
- Neck pain with fever, or a stiff neck with headache and sensitivity to light
How it is assessed at the centre
- 01A consultation and examination, including testing the nerves to the arms and hands.
- 02Digital X-ray on site to look at alignment and wear.
- 03An MRI scan, arranged when nerve or spinal-cord involvement is suspected.
Treatment options
Posture, exercise and physiotherapy
Advice on workstation setup and sleeping position, with a programme at the on-site physiotherapy department to restore movement and strength.
Medicines and injections
Pain relief and, for nerve pain that does not settle, targeted injections.
Surgery
Considered when a nerve or the spinal cord is compressed and symptoms persist or progress despite other treatment.
Questions patients ask
- Does tingling in my fingers mean I need surgery?
- Not usually. Tingling from a pressed nerve often improves with physiotherapy and medicines. Surgery is considered if weakness develops or symptoms persist despite treatment.
- Should I wear a collar?
- Collars are generally used only briefly after an injury. Keeping the neck moving is usually better for recovery.
- How do I book a consultation?
- Call 080 2664 3970 or 96201 51588 during consultation hours, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
- What if it happens at night or on a Sunday?
- Accident and trauma care is available at any hour. Call the emergency line, 98450 75749.
This page is general information about neck pain and does not replace a consultation. Last updated 14 October 2026.
Related conditions
- Back painMost episodes of back pain come from the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and settle within weeks.
- Shoulder painThe shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, held together largely by muscles and tendons rather than bone.
- Hand and wrist painThe hand packs bones, joints, tendons and nerves into a small space, so even minor problems can interfere with work and daily life.
- All conditions
Appointments
Talk to a consultant about it.
Consultations run in two sessions each day, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm. For emergencies, the 98450 75749 line is answered at any hour.
Find us
#146, "Nikitha", East End ‘C’ Main9th Block, Jayanagar (behind Jayadeva Hospital)Bengaluru 560069Directions in Google Maps