Neck Pain

Osteopathy for Neck Pain

Nearly 66% of the UK population will experience neck pain symptoms at some point during their life. Neck pain can present in many different ways, it can be localised in one area or region, or more diffuse. It is classified as pain located in the neck, however, it can radiate into the head, shoulders, or arms. In some cases, neck pain can also cause headaches and migraines. Although the symptoms may be experienced in the neck, they can be due to problems in other parts of your spine, especially thoracic (upper back).

Causes of Neck Pain

There are a variety of causes of neck pain, these can include (but are not limited to);

• Muscle Tension: this be in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or lower back
• Pinched Nerves: compression of the nerves as they exit the cervical (neck) spine and cause radiation of pain into the arms
• Joint Fixation: when joints in the neck or upper back become fixated, this can lead to pain or discomfort in the neck
• Stress: excessive physical or mental stress can cause tight muscles or increased inflammation
• Trauma: falls, trips, and whiplash are just some types of trauma
• Disc Herniation: slipped (prolapsed) or bulging cervical discs can press on the nerves in the neck
• Poor Posture: slumped posture on the sofa, at your desk, or long periods in awkward positions
• Overuse: repetitive movements, heavy lifting or awkward lifting can cause a muscular strain

Symptoms

• Neck Pain
• Headaches
• Neck Stiffness
• Muscle tension
• Shoulder Pain
• Arm Pain / Numbness (pins & needles)
• Frozen Shoulder

Treatment

The type of treatment suitable for headaches primarily depends on the type of headache you have.  Keeping a headache diary is useful to help work out what type of treatment is most appropriate for you.  The headache diary should include dates, duration, intensity, and anything that might be related to a headache, such as what you have drunk and eaten over the day, medications, weather conditions, and your daily activities.

Every day people visit Osteopaths with neck pain and evidence shows that Osteopathic treatment is effective at treating neck pain. During your New Patient Appointment, your Osteopath will assess your body, complete a medical and symptom history, allowing them to provide a working diagnosis. There may be occasions where Osteopathy is not the right solution for you, and in this event, we will refer you to the correct health practitioner (e.g. General Practitioner).

Osteopathy care can include;

• Spinal Manipulation
• Joint Articulation
• Massage Therapy
• Soft Tissues Release
• Trigger Avoidance Mechanisms
• Stretches

Osteopathy is available at Littlehampton Natural Health Centre Monday to Friday.

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