NECK PAIN

A Pain in the Neck! What is neck pain?

Your head is heavy and balanced on seven bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are supported by discs, ligaments, nerves and joints all of which can cause pain. Muscles move the head and neck but they also have an important role in stabilizing the joints to help with the stresses and strains of everyday life. Because the neck is mobile and involved in most activities we do, it is commonly injured. Pain originating from the neck can also cause pain and other sensations into your shoulder, arms and shoulder blade area.

What causes neck pain?

Neck injury can be caused by postural problems at work and at home, sudden strenuous movements, sleeping in strenuous positions and degenerative problems such as arthritis and degenerative disc disease. The joints in the neck are a very common cause of neck pain. When the joints are strained and inflammed they can limit movement and cause you to hold your head at certain angles to help relieve symptoms. The discs can also be strained in the neck.

How can physiotherapy help neck pain?

Research has shown physiotherapy to be effective for neck pain. An assessment by your Physiotherapist will help determine what is the underlying cause of the problem. Advice on postural improvements, exercises for muscle control to help support the neck, and manual therapy (hands on therapy) can all help and provide relief for neck pain. Often best results are achieved by a combination of all three types of therapy. Key to long term relief involves retraining certain neck muscles and good postural habits. Axis Physiotherapy can also assess your workstation or work area and make recommendations for appropriate equipment or modifications.

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