Struggling with Neck Pain?
Neck pain is a very common issue for many people. Neck pain can hinder many regular daily activities and disturb sleep, having a detrimental impact on both work and leisure activities. One morning we hope to wake up and find the problem has fixed itself and the pain has gone away. Unfortunately, this rarely happens.
The Physiotherapists at Recover Physio are extremely experienced at assessing and treating neck pain in all its forms.
What can cause neck pain?
There are numerous causes of neck pain and these can be categorised by the structures that are causing the pain. Usually, neck pain can be divided into the following categories:
- Mechanical pain refers to non-specific pain caused by muscular and joint dysfunction which causes abnormal stresses on the area.
- Discogenic pain refers to pain originating from the intervertebral discs found between each of the vertebrae of the spine. Pain arising from these discs can result from a trauma such as whiplash or from degeneration over time.
- Neurological pain relates to the nerve roots found exiting the spine. These can become entrapped or irritated causing inflammation following a trauma or degeneration of the vertebrae, reducing the space for the nerve.
As a number of structures can cause neck pain, it is important to seek physiotherapy assessment as quickly as possible in order to obtain a diagnosis and specific treatment programme, but also to prevent secondary problems. The most common specific causes of neck pain are:
- Poor posture
- Nerve root compression
- Disc prolapse
- Joint sprain
- Whiplash injury
- Spondylosis (degeneration)
We don’t think that anyone should have to live with Neck pain!
If you are experiencing neck pain it is important to arrange an assessment with a physiotherapist in order to prevent the problem becoming chronic.
Neck pain is experienced by most people at some time but if you feel that your neck pain is either increasing in frequency or pain level or beginning to impact on your daily activities or sleep quality, it is extremely important to be assessed by a physiotherapist. This is especially important if you have also experienced any sensation changes or pins and needles in your shoulders, arms or fingers as this may indicate nerve root compression which benefits from immediate treatment.
What should I do if I have neck pain?
What would a physiotherapy assessment for neck pain involve?
A physiotherapy assessment is divided into two main parts – a subjective assessment and an objective assessment. A thorough assessment is imperative not only to provide your physiotherapist with all the information required to treat you effectively but also to provide you with a diagnosis and prognosis.
- The subjective assessment is to gain information about you, your symptoms and how they are affecting you day to day with work and leisure activities.
- The objective, or physical, assessment will typically look at your posture, neck range of movement, muscle strength, reflexes, sensation and palpation of soft tissues and the cervical spine. It is also common practice to assess your shoulders and thoracic spine to ensure pain is not being referred from elsewhere.
Once a comprehensive assessment has been completed your Physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the cause of your pain.
What would physiotherapy treatment for neck pain involve?
Physiotherapy for neck pain will involve a tailor-made treatment plan with the intention of reducing your neck pain in a way that takes into account your own personal circumstances and goals.
Treatment will begin immediately to promote a quick recovery and may commonly include a combination of the following:
- Manipulation
- Joint mobilisation
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Acupuncture
- Posture education
- Advice on ergonomic alterations for your home or workplace
- Home exercise programmes
- Massage
- Pain management
Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for neck pain
There are many benefits of physiotherapy for neck pain. Our overall aim is to enable you to return to your level of functioning prior to the onset of your neck pain as quickly and effectively as possible.
Benefits of physiotherapy:
- Elimination or reduction in pain
- Increased neck range of movement
- Reduced muscles spasm
- Ease of nerve root compression
- Increased function and daily activity
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for neck pain?
If you have Neck Pain and you would like to book an appointment or discuss your problem please click on a link below, email us or call us on 01424 444005