Neck pain is a common complaint affecting two-thirds of the population at some point in their lives.
Neck pain can be acute or chronic and vary from a sharp pain to a dull ache. Neck pain may also involve other symptoms such as headaches, stiffness in your shoulders and upper back, and pain, numbness, or tingling (pins and needles) in your arms.
Where Is Your Neck Pain Coming From?
Neck pain can often be due to irritation of the joints, muscles, and ligaments in the neck, although it can also be caused by issues with the mid-back and shoulders.
Causes of Neck Pain
There are many reasons for developing neck pain. It can be brought on following an injury such as a car crash or skiing accident, perhaps leading to whiplash. Other causes include looking down at electronic devices such as mobile phones, having insufficient ergonomic setup at work, carrying a heavy bag on your shoulder, teeth clenching, stress, or poor sleeping posture.
Understanding Your Neck
The neck and the upper back work together as a supportive structure for the head. The neck also provides a safe pathway for the arteries going to your brain and for the spinal cord and nerves going to and from your brain. The three joints at the top of the neck allow for the most movement of the neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for the head to sit on.
Managing Neck Pain
Treatment options for neck pain include painkillers, heat and cold therapy, stretching, and manual therapies such as osteopathy. Understanding where your neck pain is coming from is crucial for effective management and recovery.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
Osteopaths diagnose and treat neck pain by assessing posture, mobility, and overall body function. They use hands-on techniques to relieve tension, improve joint mobility, and enhance the body’s natural healing process. The aim is to use various techniques to get your body talking and working together as a unit.
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Techniques may include joint articulation, manipulation, and soft tissue work, which increase joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, enhance blood flow and nerve supply to tissues, and aid the body’s own healing mechanisms.
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A detailed explanation of the findings and diagnosis will always be given before providing treatment or advice. Osteopaths also provide self-management advice and referral to other healthcare professionals if needed.
Preventing Neck Pain
Practicing good posture, especially when using phones and computers, adjusting your sleep position, avoiding carrying heavy bags on your shoulders, regular exercise, and early treatment of neck pain can significantly reduce the risk of spinal injuries.