If you are one of the many Australians who suffer with pain, aching or stiffness in the neck, you’ll be pleased to know that our proven physiotherapy approach may offer the solution you’ve been searching for.
Neck pain is very common, with about one in 10 people experiencing a constant aching in their neck. This comes as no surprise when we consider the day-to-day activities of modern life – being hunched over a computer for hours at a time, watching TV for prolonged periods and an increasing incidence of poor posture (particularly forward head posture), especially when using our phones.
Problems within the neck can also cause
, shoulder pain, TMJ or jaw pain, pins and needles in the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome and upper back pain to name a few.
If you regularly experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to
to arrange a thorough assessment from one of our qualified and experienced physiotherapists:
What causes 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 5kg, and in normal alignment it is very carefully balanced on top of your seven neck bones (vertebrae). Your muscles work very hard to maintain this position, and they can easily withstand short periods of variation. However, the problem arises 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.
In fact, the tension in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles for every 2-3cm’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 have a significant effect. Coupled with the stresses and demands of modern life, it is no surprise why neck pain has become so common.
Other common causes of neck pain include whiplash, arthritis and sporting injuries.
Treatment for neck pain at our Noble Park and Dandenong clinics
Physiotherapy can be a very effective treatment for your neck pain. After conducting a complete history, orthopaedic and neurological examination, your trained physiotherapist will recommend a tailored course of treatment that aims to reduce pressure, restore movement and prevent recurrence.
Typically, your physiotherapist will recommend the following:
- Postural advice and how to avoid further strain
- A series of spinal mobilisations to restore proper 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
- Contoured pillow to provide correct support while sleeping
Book a consultation today
At a2z Health Group, our friendly team is extensively trained in
physiotherapy,
occupational therapy,
hydrotherapy,
clinical Pilates,
massage,
bracing and more. We will personalise your treatment to cater for your specific condition. To arrange an initial assessment and consultation, don’t hesitate to
book online now.
