NECK PAIN
A pain in the neck
The complicated structure and functional needs of the neck make it an area particularly susceptible to aggravation. As well as holding up the head and facilitating movement, the neck also needs to allow for the flow of food and air and safeguard the important blood vessels and nerves that travel between the head and brain to the rest of the body.
The neck is made up of the spine which consists of bones connected by facet joints and discs. Around this lie the muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments as well as the airways and passageway for food.
The neck is made up of the spine which consists of bones connected by facet joints and discs. Around this lie the muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments as well as the airways and passageway for food.
What are some of the symptoms related to neck pain and what are the causes?
The symptoms of neck pain can often include much more than localised pain and stiffness. Headaches, dizziness, jaw pain and pins and needles down the arms.
The combination and severity of symptoms along with the activity or accident that may have caused it are important in determining the specific structures involved.
Some common causes of neck pain can include:
The combination and severity of symptoms along with the activity or accident that may have caused it are important in determining the specific structures involved.
Some common causes of neck pain can include:
- Whiplash following sudden collision
- Wry neck after sleep
- Muscle strain from poor or prolonged postures
- Degenerative disc disease
- Fracture
- Cervical spondylosis
What should I do if I have neck pain?
If you have neck pain with additional symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, dizziness, pins and needles or numbness in the arms and hands, then you should see your GP or therapist as soon as possible. Your physiotherapist or chiropractor can assess your pain and determine the cause.
If your neck pain is more localised there are some things that you can do that may help. These include:
If your neck pain is more localised there are some things that you can do that may help. These include:
- Maintaining good postures and avoid poor ones. Particularly positions where your neck is bent forward or rotated for long periods
- Stretch.
- Pain relieving medication. Speak to your pharmacist about which one might be most suitable.
- Cold packs in the first 1-2 days and then heat packs to relieve muscle tension once the acute pain has subsided.
What kind of treatments help?
Treatment for the neck pain will depend on what has caused it and which structures have been irritated. This can be determined by undergoing a thorough assessment with your physiotherapist or chiropractor. Some of the treatments that have may help your neck pain include:
Most forms of neck pain resolve through proper management and respond well to therapy. If symptoms persist speak to your health professional as soon as possible.
- Spinal manipulations
- Mobilisations with movement
- Dry needling
- Kinesiotaping
- Trigger pointing
- Traction
- Stretches
- Pain relief creams and rubs
- Heat or cold therapy
- Strengthening of deep neck muscles
- Treatment of secondary issues around the upper back or shoulders.
- Advice regarding posture, exercise and manual handling.
Most forms of neck pain resolve through proper management and respond well to therapy. If symptoms persist speak to your health professional as soon as possible.
