Physiotherapy Matters launch week day 2: Neck pain
November 25, 2014
As part of our celebrations to officially launch our new clinical site at Regent Centre, Gosforth, we’re exploring the top 5 common aches, pains and conditions suffered in the UK which we treat here at Physiotherapy Matters. Today, we’re exploring neck pain.
Neck pain is an extremely common condition, with most people experiencing it at some point in their lifetime. Usually feeling like a pain or stiffness, neck pain is another condition we treat on a regular basis here at Physiotherapy Matters.
What causes neck pain?
Often, neck pain does not have one simple cause, but is a result of a range of conditions that affect joints, muscles, tendons and other tissues in the neck. Factors that can contribute to neck pain include tension and sustained or repetitive activity such as:
- Using the telephone regularly
- Sitting at a computer screen or in front of the television for long periods
- Long distance driving
- Playing a musical instrument
If the neck has moved suddenly and unexpectedly, for example in a car accident, the pain may be due to an injury commonly known as whiplash.
Symptoms of neck pain may appear suddenly, for example when someone wakes up with a stiff and painful neck, or gradually over time. The pain may be limited to the neck or may be accompanied by headaches and dizziness or pain and pins and needles down the arm or hand.
How to treat neck pain…
For most types of neck pain, rest does not help recovery and it is better to keep active. Depending on the type of neck pain you’re suffering from, the following can be effective treatments:
- Painkillers
- Hot or cold compression packs to sooth the affected area
- Relaxation techniques for tense shoulder muscles
- Manual therapy
- Acupuncture
- Taping techniques
Preventing neck pain…
There are many steps you can take to help reduce the risk of neck pain including:
- Sleeping with orthopaedic pillows
- Sleeping on your back to rest your spine
- Adjusting your computer screen and office chair so your screen is at eye level
- If using the telephone often, using a headset or hands-free device
- Carry weight evenly to avoid straining
- Maintaining correct posture
Why physiotherapy matters…
The aim of physiotherapy is to help restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. Our Senior Physiotherapists are trained healthcare professionals who treat people of all ages, working within guidelines that are based upon the most recent and high quality evidence and research.
Physiotherapy can help you to manage your neck pain and in most cases treatment will consist of a combination of manual therapy techniques, posture and lifestyle advice and exercises you can do at home.
If you would like to book an appointment with one of our Senior Physiotherapists to assess your neck pain and devise a treatment plan please call on 0191 285 8701 or email us at info@physiotherapymatters.co.uk for more information.