Neck Pain
Neck pain is common and isn't always related to an injury. Areas of pain vary and can start at the base of your skull, muscles that surround the neck, or even from the spine itself. Neck pain can also have associated symptoms such as dizziness, referral into the upper limb and headaches.
Osteoarthritis, joint stiffness and muscle tightness
The facet joints of the neck have the ability to refer to areas as low as your shoulder blade and the chest. This referral pain is often a dull ache or even pins and needles. This joint stiffness and/or tight muscles in the neck and shoulder blade can restrict movement of the neck and even the shoulder.
Osteoarthritis is when the joint cartilage degenerates. The inflammation from the process can be painful and often leads to the joint and surrounding structures stiffening up. Physiotherapy can loosen tight muscles and joints to reduce pain and increase movement.
Postural related pain
The common form of postural related pain is a forward head posture or chin poke which stresses joints in the neck. This posture is most commonly seen among professions with high computer use. It can also lead to pain at the base of the skull if you are lying down too long, or extended periods of driving. If untreated, poor posture can lead to weakness and long-term overload of joints and muscles in the neck. Physiotherapy looks to find the underlying reason for poor posture and correct this through a combination of hands on therapy and exercises to prevent long-term dysfunction.
Wry neck
If you have woken up with one side of the neck feeling extremely stiff and tight, it may be wry neck. This is quite a painful condition, however with the aid of physiotherapy to relax the muscles and mobilise the stiff aggravated joints, recovery can be accelerated.
Whiplash Associated Disorders
Most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, whiplash is the result of a very quick movement of the neck. Whiplash symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, referred pins & needles or numbness in the arms. Physiotherapy is recommended in the management of whiplash to manage pain and restore normal movement and strength.
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome refers to compression of nerves and/or blood vessels as they travel between the neck muscles, collarbone and first rib. This results in pain or pins & needles/numbness in the neck or down the arm. Symptoms often worsen during sleep, increased amounts of activity or specific postures. This can happen due to anatomical alterations (such as extra ribs), poor posture, trauma or repetitive tasks which pressure the thoracic outlet. Physiotherapy is the first line of treatment for this condition and aims to reduce the compression of the nerves and blood vessels.
Contact Free Movement Physio to book an appointment for a one on one consultation to discuss your neck pain.