(English) Episode 233-Fixing Neck Pain Without Pills or Surgery

This state-of-the-art review examines the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of neck pain, a leading cause of global disability that predominantly affects women and middle-aged adults. The authors distinguish between neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain, highlighting that while most acute cases resolve, many patients develop chronic symptoms influenced by genetics and psychosocial factors. Diagnostic evaluations, including physical exams and MRI imaging, are used to identify specific conditions like cervical radiculopathy and spinal stenosis, though clinical findings often lack a single pathognomonic marker. Treatment strategies range from pharmacological interventions and exercise to more invasive procedures such as epidural steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation. While surgical options like fusion or disc arthroplasty may offer short-term relief for severe cases, the sources emphasize that long-term benefits are often comparable to conservative management. Ultimately, the review advocates for a biopsychosocial approach to care, noting that neck pain receives significantly less research funding than back pain despite its massive socioeconomic burden.(Cohen SP, Hooten WM. Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. BMJ [Internet]. 2017;358:j3221. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j3221)