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What Causes Neck Pain?
Neck pain is a frustrating issue, which can be causes from a sudden jolt or injury (such as whiplash) or can be related to underlying posture or aging factors. Neck pain one of the leading reasons for people to seek treatment and it can impact on work, stress, sleep and daily movement. At Flinders Health and Wellness Clinic we provide a thorough assessment and focus on structures beyond just the neck with the aim to reduce tightness, muscle tension and pain.
Because there can be multiple causes and structures involved. A thorough examination and history is important to understand what may be driving your pain and how you can manage your pain. If you are experiencing and dizziness, tinnitus, nausea or visual changes with your neck pain - or having issues with vertigo, it's often best to have a medical review before making an appointment.
Common causes of neck pain include:
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Posture: both at the desk as well as phone use, reading, sleeping and normal daily activity
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Joint irritation or stiffness in particular the upper and lower neck
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Arthritis of the neck
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Disc-related pain which may refer into the arms
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Whiplash or jolting injuries to the neck
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Myalgia or muscle related pain to the upper traps
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Poor stability of the neck
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Referred pain from the jaw, shoulder or thoracic spine
Symptoms of neck pain
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Stiffness or reduced range of motion
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Pain with movement
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Pain into the shoulder blades, mid back or shoulders
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Hearing cracking, grinding or clicking when moving the neck with pain
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Difficulty turning the head
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Headaches into the back of the skull
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Local tenderness when you touch the neck
When Should You Seek Treatment For Neck Pain?
While many episodes of neck pain can settle on its own, there are times where assessment can be helpful to guide management and reduce ongoing issues.
Here are some simple tips to guide whether further assessment may be helpful:
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Pain that is persistent and not improving after a few days
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Recurrent episodes of neck pain
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Pain impacting on your sleep, work or mental health
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Increasing stiffness or restriction in movement
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Uncertainty in how to manage symptoms
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Headaches not improved with simple Panadol and over the counter medications
If you are unsure, an assessment can help clarify what's contributing to your symptoms and how to best move forward. However if symptoms are severe, you have had a severe injury to the neck or if you are having any weakness to the face/ arms or legs - please seek urgent medical review.
How Osteopathy May Help Neck Pain?
Osteopathic care involves assessing how the neck, spine, shoulder and jaw function work together. Treatment may include hands-on techniques, movement advice, and strategies to support recovery, build strength and support recovery.
Hands-on techniques for neck pain may include:
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Joint mobilisation or traction aiming to improve mobility
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Soft tissue techniques and massage to address muscle tension and pain
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Dry needling
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Treatment addressing shoulder blade tension/ tightness or tenderness
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Myofascial release techniques
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Postural or supportive taping techniques
Remedial Massage for Neck Pain:
If you are looking for a good massage to assist with your recovery we have a fantastic remedial massage therapist available who can provide additional supportive care for your lower back complaints.
Remedial massage focuses on the soft tissue structures and can provide supportive care when experiencing pain, or whether you are having general aches or discomfort relating to reduced mobility, changes of load with exercise or when muscle soreness and tightness is a factor for your pain.