Pain or discomfort in the region of the neck and around the shoulders can result from a series of factors ranging from inappropriate posture to muscle overload. The pain may radiate to the head, causing head pain or headaches. Various musculoskeletal or neurovascular structures in your cervical spine can be the cause of neck pain and headache when they are in a state of dysfunction. Joints, discs, muscles and nerves are possible contributors to your pain.
Common causes of neck pain include:
Injury or trauma, anxiety and emotional upset, sleeping in an awkward position, prolonged sitting hours at a computer work desk, whiplash injuries, prolonged head-down or head protruded forward posture.
Common neck and headache symptoms:
- Tenderness at the base of the skull and top of the neck
- Neck stiffness or some loss of movement
- The headache pain may radiate from the back of the head to the front
- The headache is centred on one side of your head or the other or may be on both
- When you apply pressure or massage the base of your skull or your neck, the pain eases
- Your headache is lessened or heightened by a sustained posture, neck movement, or sleeping on your stomach or with your head turned to one side
Neck Treatment
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatment options for neck pain.
Generally, one or more of the following techniques will be used:
- Mobilisation, to stretch tight muscles, joint, ligaments and discs.
- Functional and Rehabilitative Exercises for range of motion and also strength.
- Postural assessment, correction and advice.
- Manipulation
- Dry Needling/Accupuncture
- Massage
- Heat
- Cause Diagnosis
Self Help
- Rest, possibly non weight bearing
- Supportive pillow
- Immobilisation
- Pain Medication
- Hot Pack/Cold Pack
- Pain relieving exercises
- Postural corrective exercises
- Or make an appointment
