How Bridge Physiotherapy can treat Neck Pain.
Neck pain is an umbrella term that can encompass many different causes of symptoms of pain or discomfort and restriction of movement within your upper spine. Neck pain is very common with two out of three people being affected at some point in their lives.
What are the symptoms of neck pain?
The level of pain can vary from person to person, from a niggle to more persistent aching. The main symptoms include:
Pain in the neck, back of the shoulders or shoulder blade
Stiffness or difficulty turning the head
Some people may also experience:
Pain into the arm or hand
Tingling, pins and needles and numbness in the arm and hand
Headaches
What causes neck pain?
There are lots of reasons why people develop neck pain. Sometimes neck pain is related to the soft tissues (e.g. a muscle sprain) and clears up in a few days with gentle exercise and over-the-counter painkillers. Sometimes neck pain is related to changes in the discs and joints in the neck (spondylosis). Things like stress, anxiety and worry can also contribute to neck pain.
Be aware of the position of your neck day-to-day, and how much you move your neck – the neck is designed to move, and if it’s been stationary for hours whilst you look at a screen, it might start to complain.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made from the patient’s history and a simple examination without the need for special investigations. A scan may be done if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, but it is unusual.
How can I manage my neck pain?
Try to maintain a good posture and stay active. It is perfectly safe to move your neck even when it is painful and this will help to stop structures stiffening up and your muscles becoming weak. It will make your neck stronger, more flexible and healthier in the long run. Moving your neck little and often is usually the best approach to help you get back to normal.
Are there any signs or symptoms to be concerned about?
Neck pain is rarely a serious problem. However if you experience the following you should see your GP or Physiotherapist:
An increase in clumsiness in both your hands
Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness down both your arms at the same time
Changes in the way you are walking, such as tripping, stumbling, falling or loss of control of your feet
Headache
Headaches where the pain originates in the cervical spine, neck and upper shoulders are often referred to as a cervicogenic headache. These headaches can be a byproduct of whiplash, neck injury or muscle trauma due to poor prolonged posture or severe stress.
Symptoms include:
Pain which centres across the forehead/behind the eyes/ up the back of the skull
Tight muscles which can extend from the shoulder to the top of the neck
Poor ergonomics
Poor postural alignment can place increased stress on the structural and nerve components in the neck, leading to increased pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulder and head region.
Symptoms include:
Dull aching pain in the neck and shoulder without trauma
Tightness in the neck/shoulder region