5 Reasons for Neck Pain

1. Mechanical Neck Pain

One of the more common causes of neck pain. Poor posture is a contributing factor and is more common in people who spend a lot of time at a desk working in front of a computer with a “poky chin” posture. Because of this forwards head posture the muscles at the front of the neck are lengthened and weak while the muscles at the back become shortened and tight. The knock-on effect of these mechanical changes alter our movement patters and stress the joints in unnatural way.

What can I do to relieve the symptoms of mechanical neck pain?

Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you try to reduce strenuous activities and to take regular breaks from work to stretch or move your head and neck.

2. Whiplash

Most commonly following a road traffic accident but can happen after any acceleration/deceleration event. Painful muscle spasm can be associated with this condition as the body tries to support and protect the neck.

What can I do to relieve the symptoms of whiplash?

Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you you can try using cold packs or ice to help reduce inflammation and pain. Apply for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 48-72 hours. Try to limit motion in the neck until the pain and muscle tightness are reduced as well as reducing strenuous exercises.

3. Degeneration

Wear and tear on the cervical bones can cause the edges of them to become sharp and rough. This makes the joints stiff and makes normal movement difficult or even painful.

What can I do to relieve the symptoms of degeneration?

Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you try to refrain from doing or modify activities that aggravate pain should help to reduce symptoms. Use ice for 15-20 minutes every hour. Alternatively some people find that heat can help to alleviate pain and relax the muscles.

4. Cervical Radiculopathy

This can be a concerning condition and the symptoms can become very intense. This is when nerves coming from the cervical spine become irritated. Often there is pain not only in the neck but also in the shoulder, arm and hand. There may also be numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.

What can I do to relieve the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy?

Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you initial treatment should be aimed to reduce pain and inflammation. The use of ice is important as well as reducing compressive forces on the nerve root. Relative rest and avoiding positions that increase arm or neck pain are is also important.

5. Acute Torticollis

This happens when the head becomes twisted to one side and movement becomes painful. The actual cause of this remains unknown however there is speculation that it can be down to a muscle or ligament in the neck “getting stuck”. It is not unusual for people to go to bed feeling fine but wake up with acute torticollis.

What can I do to relieve the symptoms of acute torticollis?

Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you try to keep your neck moving as normally as possible. The use of ice or heat can help to reduce the pain and relax the muscles