Neck Pain

Cause?

Neck pain, hurts a lot, costs a lot and interferes with routine daily living.
Its triggering factors are many and its symptoms can range from a sense of minor discomfort to severe and debilitating inability to move. Neck pain has been linked with headaches, shoulder pain and neck paine. There need not be any warning before a bout of neck pain and it often begins after little or no activity, like after waking up in the morning.

Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain

Our physiotherapists combine . physiotherapy treatment for neck pain using techniques used by professionals including chiropractors, osteopaths and massage therapists for manual and manipulative therapy.

How does a neck get stiff?

Neck stiffness is usually accompanied by muscle spasm and restricted motion in neck movement patterns. This can stem from over or under use or repeated behaviour patterns causing too much strain on certain parts of the shoulders, neck or head. Poor Posture, shortened muscles due to strain and spasm, acute and chronic injury are also contributing factors the physiotherapist needs to consider when assessing for neck strain.However bad neck pain seems, despite its many causes and the inconvenience it has on those affected, neck pain is normally self limiting. If caught early by physiotherapy, the chances of neck pain flare-ups may be significantly reduced.

Things to know about acute neck pain

Acute neck pain comes on quickly and is commonly due to one sparking factor like sleeping awkwardly or overstretching the neck, for example twisting to look over the shoulder for a blind spot when reversing a car. It can also stem from more sudden movements such as being in a car accident or jarring the neck during sport. If you have recently experienced any discomfort following such an incident, we strongly recommend coming in for an assessment.

Goals of physiotherapy for acute neck pain

The goals of physiotherapy in treatment for acute neck pain include limiting inflammation with appropriate ice packs every 20 minutes placed over the area affected wherever practical. By using ice packs within the first 72 hours following initial onset of neck pain, swelling can be reduced and can we move on to a stage of tissue repair. Once the swelling and inflamation has been treated and the muscles have returned to their normal state and location we can suggest exercises to prevent the stiffening of the neck as well as strengthening exercises to ensure the muscles are more capable of providing support where needed.

Chronic neck pain and inflammation

In chronic neck pain, repeated flare ups limit the chance for tissues to fully repair. Another factor may also be that those affected may not have sought the right alternative therapy or intervention, sought treatment or changed the behaviour causing the initial injury. Those with chronic neck pain may have both “good” and “bad” days where the level of discomfort ranges from debilitating to mild.

With chronic neck pain, “pain” may be “there” even while doing simple everyday activities like reading a newspaper or sitting in front of a desk. A problem with chronic neck pain is the real danger posed by fear-avoidance beliefs where natural movements are avoided as the sufferer associates the activity with neck pain. In these instances, the body uses the most comfortable route to find a “non-painful” position. However in these instances, the least painful position is not necessarily the ideal or natural position of an otherwise healthy musculoskeletal system. Patients with chronic neck pain can develop bad posture, rounded shoulders and forward head carriage with accelerated degenerative processes earlier than others with better posture and better lifestyle habits.

What are the treatments for neck pain at Wembley Physiotherapy Clinic?

Neck pain treatments can including medication, alternative medicine, massage, dry needling, trigger point release and chiropractic treatment, techniques and individuals receiving treatment respond in different ways. Alternatives to medication are generally preferred by manyand we are able to provide a variety of treatment methods.

Immobilisation of the affected painful area

In the first stages of any injury or acute flare up of a condition it is often best practice to follow the RICER/s principle and the National recommendations in the following 72 hours: Rest, ice, elevation, compression and referral are all important aspects of RICER in the first aid and in acute injury/trauma or flare up.

In the case of neck pain, different scenarios determine whether immediate treatment, immobilisation or an aid to protection from further damage is required. Neck braces, chiropractic pillows, specific physiotherapy and soft tissue massage can potentially help provide support and limit progression of symptoms.

Memory Foam Pillows- Help for neck pain, relief from neck stiffness, helps promote improved posture and sleep

Memory foam Complete Sleeper Pillows are fully adjustable, taking the guess work out of pillows. They have a comfy contoured centre allowing the head to rest snugly in the cradle while also supporting the neck and shoulders. Excellent for side sleeping and those that sleep on their back.

Added benefits of Complete Sleeper Memory Foam Pillows:

• Fully height adjustable, one size fits all
• Anti-bacterially treated for mildew and dust mites
• Visco-elastic properties allows the memory foam to warm and mould to the head and neck for extra comfort
• Easy to pack with clothes and can be rolled up and taken away for holiday or travel