Get To Know Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by a number of things, from poor posture to arthritis. It’s important to find the source of your neck pain in order to get relief.
Archer St Physiotherapy Centre can assist in finding the source of your neck pain and provide treatment to help reduce discomfort and improve function. We offer a variety of physiotherapy treatments, including mobilisations, remedial massage, and dry needling.
Get To Know Your Neck Anatomy
- Spinal Cord:The spinal cord is a long length of neural tissue beginning at the base of the skull, where it is connected to the brain, and terminating in the lower back. Nerves exit the spinal cord at various levels to transmit messages to and from different body parts. In the neck, nerves exit through cervical bones to send and receive messages from the head, neck, shoulder and upper limbs.
- Nerves: As nerve roots emerge from the spinal cord, they provide sensation and control to various parts of the body. In the neck, nerves exit through cervical bones to initiate actions including control of the head,neck, shoulders and upper limbs, and sensation of the skin of the upper body,
- Cervical Bones (Vertebrae): The neck consists of 7 individual bones or ‘vertebrae’ with a special opening (foramen) that allows arteries to supply the brain with blood as well as the channel for the spinal cord to pass through. The first 2 of these bones are extra special in shape and are named the Atlas (C1) and the Axis (C2). The joint (facet) between these 2 vertebrae allows the rotation of the head independently of the torso. The facets between the remaining levels of the cervical spine work together to allow rotation, side flexion, flexion and extension of the neck.
- Vertebral Discs: Vertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous, jelly filled structures that are located between each vertebra. These discs act as a cushion by providing a shock-absorbing effect within the spine and preventing the vertebrae from grinding together whilst allowing the spine to remain flexible.
- Muscles: There are many muscles located in and around the head and neck complex, allowing voluntary movements of the head in directions including rotation, flexion, extension and side flexion. Some muscles of the neck also assist in other actions such as chewing, swallowing and breathing.
Causes
Typical Causes Of Neck Pain
The neck can be prone to injuries and conditions causing pain and/or restriction due to both its flexibility and high loading requirements in providing support for your head.
Muscle strains
- A muscle strain may be caused by overuse, such as spending too much time hunched over your computer or smartphone. It is even possible to strain neck muscles doing something as small as reading in bed or grinding your teeth.
Worn joints
- As with other joints in your body, your neck joints are also susceptible to wear out with age. Degeneration of the cartilage between your bones (vertebrae) is one of the signs of osteoarthritis. The formation of bone spurs, which can happen with ageing bones, can result in joint pain and movement restriction depending on their location.
Nerve compression
- The nerves exiting your spinal cord can be compressed by herniated disks or bone spurs in your neck. If these nerves are compressed you may experience symptoms along the nerve’s pathway such as pins and needles or shooting pain down the affected side’s arm, as well as neck discomfort.
Injuries
- A rear-end collision often results in whiplash, which occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, causing the neck's soft tissues to strain.
Diseases
- There are certain diseases that can cause neck pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, and cancer. After a thorough subjective and physical examination, if a disease that is not treatable by physiotherapy is suspected, you will be referred onwards to a more appropriate health provider.
Common Symptoms Of Neck Pain
- Stiff neck.
- Sharp or aching pain.
- Pain with movements.
- Radiating pain or numbness down an arm.
- Headache.
- Pain when palpated.
Treatments
Physiotherapy Treatments For Your Neck Pain
01.
Electrical Stimulation
02.
Mulligan's Concept Therapy
Mulligan’s Concept Therapy is the application of a joint mobilisation by the physiotherapist whilst the patient actively moves into the restricted direction. This can be helpful in restoring pain free range of movements.
03.
Heat Therapy
04.
Massage
Musculoskeletal conditions of the neck can benefit from remedial massage to release muscle tension and improve muscle flexibility which can often be the primary cause of the discomfort.
05.
Myofascial Release
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's about Neck Pain
How do I know if my neck pain is serious?
If severe neck pain occurs after a motor vehicle accident, diving accident, or fall with head strike, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should also see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- Vision disturbances e.g. changes in field, double vision, light sensitivity
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sudden or significant loss of upper limb function or sensation.
How should I sleep to avoid neck pain?
There are three natural arches in your spine. One curves forward at the neck, and one curves downward at the lower back, whilst the upper back curves backward. You can minimise neck and back pain by arranging your bed so that these natural curves are maintained. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended for the strain it puts on your neck for the prolonged period of time.
When you sleep on your back:
- Use a thin pillow. With a thin pillow, your upper spine is able to keep its natural position with a slight forward curve.
- Try a cervical pillow. You can use a cervical pillow to support your head and neck in a neutral position.
- Use a supportive mattress. You may sink into a soft mattress, which may result in your back rounding.
When you sleep on your side:
- Avoid overly high pillows. Pillows should be of a height that allows your ears to remain stacked vertically. The wrong pillow can cause your neck to bend and develop pain over time.
- Keep chin neutral. When you’re in the foetal position, avoid tucking your chin in. This puts your head forward.
- Try putting a pillow between your knees, or have your legs stacked. Avoid your top leg dropping over and down onto the bed in front of you as this can put pressure on your lower back overnight.
