Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common condition, often affecting people in their 30s and 40s. Neck pain is not usually a serious problem. Around 50% of people with neck pain will experience a recurrence of their problem. If you understand the reason for getting the pain in the first place, stopping it from returning is possible.
In most cases, serious structural damage is unlikely, the most common cause is a strain of one of the small joints located on the side of the neck. These joints are called ‘facet joints’. Less commonly involved are the intervertebral disc and even less so, the nerves.
X-ray and MRI scans are often taken but it is important to know that findings of ‘spondylosis’ and 'degeneration’ don’t necessarily correlate with the pain. The symptoms that a person is experiencing are
much more valuable than the scan. And often being told there is a problem can cause fear that stops a person from exercising and it is the lack of exercise that is the main contributor to pain.
Neck pain is less common as we grow older, but ‘wear and tear, ‘arthritis’ and ‘disc degeneration are more common and can be found in people who do not experience neck pain.
Lifestyle factors include:
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Poor quality and quantity of sleep.
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Noticing more muscle tension in your neck.
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Low levels of physical activity.
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More stressful periods of life.
These factors can increase muscle tension and decrease the range of movement between facet joints making it more likely that you will experience neck pain.
Does posture play a part in Neck Pain?
Research shows that sedentary lives, where we hold our bodies in sustained positions for extended periods e.g. sitting at an office desk or watching TV on the sofa are the main contributors to back pain.
These symptoms are very rare but you should contact a doctor if you experience any of them:
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Severe head, neck or arm pain that is constant or disturbs sleep.
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Weakness and loss of feeling in the arms or legs.
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A history of inflammatory arthritis, immuno-suppression, cancer, TB, drug abuse, AIDS or other infection.
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If you feel unwell, have a fever or have unexplained weight loss.
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A history of violent trauma (e.g. a road traffic accident or a fall from a height) or a history of neck surgery.
How can we treat Neck Pain?
The physiotherapist at Restored Eden Physiotherapy will do a thorough assessment and then give you the appropriate treatment that you require. This often involves manual therapy such as deep tissue massage to relax the muscles of the neck and shoulders, mobilization, manipulation, exercise therapy, advice and reassurance tailored to the exact needs of the client.
The physiotherapist will identify after the assessment if there are things that need to change in their lifestyle. For example; starting to do regular exercise, not sitting for longer than 15 minutes, having only one pillow rather than two, using a stand-up desk, and ergonomic changes. Everyone is different so everyone presents
differently. But we aim to restore people to health and well-being.