Neck Pain

Neck Pain is most often caused by a traumatic incident(i.e. car accident – whiplash, football tackle, fall from height). However it may occur without trauma (wry neck, computer work, slouching, poor sleeping posture, muscle imbalance).

Spinal pain may be serious. If your are suffering referred pain, pins & needles, numbness, extreme pain, headaches, problems with speech, vision or hearing please seek medical help immediately.

Neck pain is usually caused from one of the following:

  • Disc Trauma (small tears, bulges, prolapses or collapse)
  • Nerve irritation (Cervical nerve roots)
  • Spinal degeneration (cartilage damage, bone degeneration, arthritis)
  • Facet joint stiffness (postural or traumatic)
  • Cervicogenic Dysfunction
  • Muscle or Ligament Tears / Spasm
  • Neck pain can be traumatic (high force) or Atraumatic (low force repetitious such as RSI)
  • TMJ (Temperomandibular Joint) dysfunction
  • Vertebral Fracture (Vertebral Body, Pedicle, Transverse Process)

neck anatomy

If your neck hurts, don’t ignore it. Physiotherapists are well trained to give an accurate diagnosis and treatment the problem. We can refer for MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound or blood test as required.
We are able to provide a proven, safe and effective treatment.

Physiotherapy Aims
1) Treat the pain and other symptoms
2) Help identify the causes to prevent recurrence and
3) Provide self-management strategies

Treatment: Strong Evidence in Literature
1) Specific Neck strengthening and general exercise programs
(core stabilisation, pilates)
2) Mobilisation, Manipulation and Hands On Therapy
(Manipulation is traumatic and should only be used for certain conditions)
3) Acupuncture / Dry Needling
4) Electrotherapy (TENS)

Treatment: Others
1) Postural Modification
(seat supports, taping, innersoles, orthotics, body awareness exercises)
2) Hydrotherapy (great supportive environment)
3) Supportive Taping / Bracing
4) Use of Gels, Creams, Hot & Cold

Neck pain is very individual due to the large number of structures and factors that contribute to your condition. What works for others may not work for you and you will have to trial various treatments under the guidance of your Physiotherapist to find what works for your particular condition.

Recent research indicates that one of the most important treatments for spinal pain is that the patient be encouraged to move, exercise and get back to a level of activity that your body was used to prior to the onset of pain.