Whether you’re dealing with neck pain for the first time or have been struggling with ongoing discomfort, this guide is crafted to provide you with useful insights and practical solutions to alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.
Neck pain can stem from a variety of issues and injuries. Understanding these common problems can help you recognise the causes of your pain and seek appropriate treatment.
Muscle Strain: A muscle strain occurs when the muscles or tendons around the neck are overstretched or torn, typically due to activities like quick head turns, sudden movements, or poor body mechanics. Chronic poor posture can also contribute significantly to muscle strain, as the weight of the head places continuous stress on the neck muscles. Symptoms of a muscle strain include localised pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms in the affected area.
Whiplash: Whiplash is characterised by a rapid and forceful backward and forward movement of the neck. This motion can lead to strain and injury of the neck muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. In severe cases, it may also cause damage to the cervical spine, including disc herniation or vertebral fractures. Symptoms commonly associated with whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, restricted range of motion, headaches, shoulder pain, and occasionally jaw pain.
Herniated Discs: A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like centre of a disc pushes through a crack in the tough outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. It’s important to note that the pain is often due to compensatory mechanisms in the surrounding muscles rather than the disc itself, as the disc does not contain nerve endings. When the body senses something is wrong, it sends pain signals through sensitive structures like muscles, which can flare up and cause spasms. This reaction is the body’s way of protecting the injured area, but it can lead to significant discomfort and reduced mobility.
Understanding the causes of neck pain is crucial for finding effective treatment and relief. Pain can be categorised into two types: acute and chronic. Let’s explore these types and the common causes of neck pain.
Acute neck pain, such as the sudden onset of a wry neck, can develop rapidly and often feels sharp and intense. However, with proper care and treatment, it usually resolves within a short period. This type of pain is often triggered by specific events or injuries, such as sleeping in an awkward position, maintaining poor posture for extended periods (like desk work), or sudden movements that strain the neck.
Chronic neck pain persists for 12 weeks or more, even after the initial cause has been addressed. This type of pain can vary in intensity, and may be constant or come and go. Factors like long-term teeth grinding, poor posture, or stress can contribute to its persistence. Effective treatment often requires a comprehensive approach, focusing not only on relieving physical symptoms but also on addressing underlying issues and contributing factors.
If you’d like to book an initial assessment, we will work to identify the root cause of your pain through a thorough diagnosis. From there, we will develop a personalised treatment plan aimed at achieving pain relief and preventing future flare-ups.
We’re a caring team dedicated to supporting you on your wellness journey. From our skilled physiotherapists to our nurturing yoga instructors, each of us brings a unique touch and warmth to your experience. We can’t wait for you to meet the friendly faces who will be here to cheer you on every step of the way.
