ABSTRACT
SYMPTOMS Pain is felt in the neck itself, but it may also be referred to the shoulders or arms. If it starts suddenly after exertion, and is exaggerated by coughing or straining, think of a disc prolapse. Pain spreading down an arm and forearm with paraesthesiae in the hand will strengthen the likelihood of a disc prolapse with cervical root compression. Chronic or recurrent pain in older people is usually due to chronic disc degeneration and spondylosis. Always enquire if any posture or movement makes it worse; or better.
