Neck Pain

The cervical spine or neck can present with pain and dysfunction from several causes. This may involve localised pain and stiffness, acute muscle spasm, pain referral into the upper limb or around the scapula region as well as headaches. Neck pain is often caused by postural issues such as prolonged sitting and computer use due to the considerable load placed onto the joints and muscles on the neck. Neck pain is also common following whiplash type injuries that happen in motor vehicle accidents.

The neck requires a thorough understanding of the underlying anatomy, the very important structures, especially nerves that can cause pain as well as an approach that integrates the function of the neck into the rest of the spine rather than looking at it individually. We always assess neck problems as part of an interconnected spinal column and correct imbalances in other areas which can contribute to poor posture, neck pain or headaches.

People can suffer both acute onset neck pain and then more long-standing, chronic pain. Stiffness and limited mobility due degenerative changes in the structure of the spine can also cause pain and we can treat this with a combination of our manual therapy techniques and exercise programs. We provide a range of gentle but effective spinal mobilizations for the neck rather than performing manipulations or adjustments. The combination of soft-tissue therapy, manual therapy & exercise is an effective treatment for chronic, longstanding neck pain problems.

Common forms of neck pain that we treat include:

  • Disc bulges and related injuries
  • Nerve root involvement
  • Facet joint pain
  • Degenerative spinal conditions
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Postural related neck pain
  • Headaches