Which feature is described as part of neck pain?

• A. Hyper-algesia
• B. Hypo-algesia
• C. No change in nociception
• D. Increased muscle strength

Answer: (A)

Pain in the neck often involves sensitization of the pain pathways, so you see hyperalgesia—an exaggerated pain response to a stimulus that would normally provoke pain. This happens when tissues in the neck become inflamed or irritated, leading to peripheral sensitization, and can also involve central sensitization in the spinal cord and brain, amplifying pain signals. Because of this, movements, palpation, or even mild stimuli can feel disproportionately painful. Hypo-algesia would mean reduced pain sensitivity, which isn’t typical for neck pain; no change in nociception would imply the pain signal is normal, which doesn’t fit a pain syndrome; increased muscle strength isn’t a feature of pain presentations. Therefore, hyperalgesia best describes a feature associated with neck pain.