Neck Pain
Our Physiotherapists have a proven track record of achieving the best possible patient outcomes when it comes to the management of neck pain. It is one of the top 5 most common conditions that our Physiotherapists treat each week. It is recommended to see a Physiotherapist if you are experiencing constant or recurring neck pain, neck stiffness when you turn your head, pain in the neck muscles or if you feel pins and needles, weakness or numbness in the arms or hands.
To make an appointment for your neck pain, click here.
Causes
Neck pain can happen suddenly, such as following a motor vehicle accident, or slowly over time, often caused by stress or poor posture. It can have a significant impact on your day-to-day function, quality of life, involvement in sports & exercise, work and daily activities.
Poor posture is the most significant contributing factor to neck pain, with other common causes being whiplash, stress, arthritis and sporting injuries. This comes as no surprise when we consider the activities of modern life such as sitting in front of a computer, watching prolonged periods of television, and an increasing incidence of poor posture – particularly forward head posture.
This “poked chin” posture can also cause several other secondary conditions such as headaches, shoulder pain, jaw pain, pins and needles or numbness in the arms and hands, as well as upper back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. Our expert Physiotherapists can identify the cause and all contributing factors to your neck pain.
Assessment
Given the exact cause of your neck pain can be quite complicated, you need to see a Physiotherapist who will take the time to listen to your complaints and conduct a thorough examination to identify the cause and all contributing factors. It is only by correctly diagnosing your condition that an appropriate treatment plan can be tailored to your specific condition, ensuring a quicker and more complete recovery.
Too often only the acute symptoms of neck pain are addressed, resulting in recurrent neck pain issues. Quick resolution of the symptoms is important, but addressing the underlying factors found during your assessment will ensure long term pain relief.
Although not generally necessary, our Physiotherapists can order tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans if needed.
Treatment
An individual treatment plan will be explained following your assessment. This treatment plan can include treatment modalities such as joint mobilisation techniques, soft/deep tissue massage, dry needling acupuncture, taping and exercises (to name a few). This treatment aims to restore the normal functioning of the joints, muscles and ligaments of your neck to get you back to what you love to do.
The second important aspect of treating neck pain is addressing the underlying contributing factors. This includes treatments such as home exercises for stretching and strengthening, postural education, ergonomic advice, education regarding the implications of activities and lifestyle choices and sleeping position education.
By treating both the symptoms and the underlying cause of your neck pain, you will enjoy long term relief from your neck pain symptoms.