Neck Pain
Uploaded by
Muhammed ElgasimNeck Pain
Uploaded by
Muhammed ElgasimNeck pain
Patient presents with a
painful neck
Red Flags
Consider admission/
Urgent referral
Non-Specific neck pain Neck pain with
radicular/neurological
signs
Management
Management
If no improvement
consider community
physiotherapy
If no improvement
consider referral to
Specialist
R
Published: 16th April 2015 Valid until: 31st October 2016
Page 1 of 2
A printed version of this document is not controlled so may not be up-to-date with the latest clinical information.
Neck pain
2 Red Flags
Quick info:
History of or suspected malignancy:
• investigate and refer as appropriate
• consider red flags of unexplained weight loss, night pain and high inflammatory markers.
Suspected fracture, dislocation, or infection:
• refer to ED
Acute Cervical Myelopathy or multi-level neurological signs:
• refer to neuro-surgery
Vascular disorders of the carotid or vertebral arteries:
• refer to the vascular service
Suspected inflammatory condition:
• investigate and refer to Rheumatology
6 Management
Quick info:
Management:
• Reassure patient
• Recommend simple range of movement exercises
• Encourage maintaining function
• Consider analgesia
• Self Help/Patient Information
7 Management
Quick info:
Management:
• Consider medication management as outlined in supporting information.
• Only consider x-ray if clinically indicated
Published: 16th April 2015 Valid until: 31st October 2016
Page 2 of 2
A printed version of this document is not controlled so may not be up-to-date with the latest clinical information.