Neck Pain treatment
Richmond Physiotherapy Clinic specialises in the treatment of chronic neck pain, neck ache and neck stiffness.
If you are one of the many Australians that suffers with neck pain, you will be pleased to know that our proven Physiotherapy approach may offer the solution you have been searching for.
Neck pain is very common with about one in 10 people having it at any given time. This comes as no surprise when we consider the activities of modern life such as sitting in front of a computer, prolonged periods of television and an increasing incidence of poor posture – particularly forward head posture.
Problems within the neck can also cause headache, shoulder pain, TMJ or jaw pain, pins and needles in the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome and upper back pain.
We encourage you to contact us for a thorough assessment with one of our physiotherapists if you regularly experience any of the following;
- persistent neck ache first thing in the morning
- neck stiffness when reversing in the car
- clicking neck noise when turning
- constant aching neck muscles
- tingling in your hands or fingers
- chronic neck pain
Causes of neck pain
By far the most common cause of neck pain relates to the effects of poor posture. In order to understand the impact of poor posture, we must first consider why spinal alignment within the neck is so important.
Your head weighs about 3 kgs and in normal alignment it is very carefully balanced on top of your seven neck bones (vertebrae). Your muscles work hard to maintain this position and can withstand short periods of variation. Problems can arise when we assume awkward positions for prolonged periods, the fine balance is disturbed and the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and discs of your neck become strained and irritated. Tension in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles for every 2-3 cm’s that your head is forward. Over time, the neck strain and pressure accumulates to a point where it becomes chronic and even the smallest changes in posture cause significant discomfort.
Other common causes of neck pain include whiplash, arthritis and sporting injuries.
Neck pain treatment
Physiotherapy is very effective treatment for most neck pain. After conducting a complete history, orthopaedic and neurological examination, your physiotherapist will recommend a course of treatment that aims to reduce pressure, restore movement and prevent recurrence.
Typically, a Richmond Physiotherapy Clinic Physiotherapist will recommend the following:
- postural advice and how to avoid further strain
- a series of spinal mobilisations to restore more normal movement to the neck vertebrae
- massage to tight neck muscles
- neck exercises to encourage improved movement
- neck strengthening exercises
- heat/ice therapy to help manage your neck pain
- recommend a contoured pillow to provide correct support while sleeping.
Workstation assessment
A few changes to your workstation setup should enable you to work in front of your computer with your back, neck and shoulders more relaxed and pain free. For a more expansive explanation view our ergonomic workstations gudelines.
The information contained in this site is not intended as a substitute for advice from a qualified health care professional. Always obtain advice from a qualified health care professional before starting any exercise, stretching or health care program. The author and everyone involved in the production of this site disclaim any liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented