Neck Pain

Over a quarter of the population experience neck pain at some time each year. Over half of these resolve on their own, however a large proportion do require treatment to aid recovery, particularly those that frustratingly persist or that recur time and again.

Neck pain can be short-term (acute), or a long-term (chronic) problem and can be the result of a number of factors – with a singular origin, or from weaknesses in numerous minor areas that add up to cause your symptoms. These can manifest in sudden pain, or a gradual onset of symptoms that may at first remain unnoticed, but build to cause discomfort.

What are the symptoms?

Pain or discomfort is not solely isolated to the neck but can also include:

• Radiation into the shoulder and arm
• Pins and needles or numbness in the arms/hands
• Mid-back discomfort
• Reduced movement of the neck
• Headaches

What causes it?

These are equally varied, examples may include but are not limited to:

• Impact/trauma
• Sudden and vigorous neck movement
• Prolonged awkward position
• Long-term posture
• Disc protrusion
• Joint related – e.g. stiffness, inflammation, degeneration
• Muscular spasm
• Wry/cricked neck (also known as Torticollis)

How can we help you?

Our highly qualified and experienced physiotherapists can provide you with different methods of pain relief to suit your needs, and a variety of appropriate treatment techniques so that you can make a full recovery.

What types of treatment are available?

Manual Mobilisation Therapy – These are passive movements that the therapist applies to the joints in and around the neck to increase range of movement, reduce stiffness and pain.

Manipulation Therapy – Can help to release joints that have become stiff and painful

Soft tissue Massage Therapy – Can reduce muscle tension, improve tissue mobility, enhance muscle contraction and desensitise any painful and overactive areas.

Acupuncture – Can stimulate the body’s natural healing response, release pain-killing endorphins and improve functioning of the hormonal system

Electrotherapy – Used to assist the natural healing process and reduce pain via an increase in energy (electrical, sound, light, magnetic or temperature).

Exercise and Rehabilitation – A tailored exercise programme will be designed to target the right areas in order to regain strength and range of movement for normal function and long term management.

Ergonomic and Postural advise – Can help you manage your day to day activities whether you’re sitting at a desk, performing leisure activities or trying to get a good night’s sleep.