Neck Pain

What is it?

Neck Pain (NP), just like low back pain is one of the most common conditions we treat here at JL PhysioFit.

Often it is the result of a build-up of pressure on the neck due to prolonged postures, stiffness andĀ lack ofĀ strength and good quality exercise.

Left untreated, neck pain can really impact your day to day life.

How does it show up in your life?

You may struggle to work without pain in your neck or across your shoulders

Rotating the neck when driving is painful

Doing housework causes pain and discomfort

You may struggle to sleep due to pain

Looking up or down might be sore

You are always reaching for the next painkiller

Where you might feel pain?

Centrally in the neck or to one side

Referred pain down into the arm, shoulder blade or down your back

Referred pain up into your head

How it might feel?

Constant or intermittent pain (comes and goes).

Dull or aching

Sharp, shooting, stabbing or burning pain

Headaches

Why do I get Neck Pain?

Most episodes of Neck Pain come on due to a build-up of pressures that are placed on the structures of the neck (muscles, ligaments, joints, discs and nerves) over a prolonged period of time. Think about the example of sitting all day.

The body is incredibly resilient and will deal with the demands we place on it for long periods of time (months and years) with no problem, but eventually this pressure builds to be too much and we get a message (PAIN), telling us to do something about it.

Postural related neck pain is a great example of this. Typically, due to the way society and technology have developed, we have become a population that does a lot of sitting, which can put a lot of pressure on the neck (think about your head going forward when at the computer).

We wake up and sit at the table for breakfast, then we drive to work, where we sit at the desk for most of the day, before jumping in the car to drive home. We then sit at the table to eat, before retiring to the sofa to relax and finally going to bed where we most likely sleep on our side.

As you can see that’s a lot of sitting and bending forwards, and it is these prolonged postures that if we donā€™t do anything about, mayĀ end up causing pain.

We need to remember that our bodies are designed for movement. It is how we keep our muscles, joints, bones and mind both strong and healthy.Ā 

Common causes of Neck pain:

Joints

The joints of our back are amazing and allow us both stability (think about standing upright) and mobility (bending forwards,Ā backwards, and rotating). In order for these joints to stay healthy and function well, they need to stay hydrated with nutrients, which they get through movement and a clever mechanism of pressure and release. This helps to draw the nutrients into the joint.

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In order for these joints to stay healthy and function well, they need to be hydrated with nutrients and they get these through movement and a clever mechanism of pressure and release that helps to draw the nutrients into the joint.

When we sit for long periods, we just donā€™t get this, which can lead to joints becoming stiff, painful and inflamed.

Discs

We have discs that sit between each level of our spine and their role is to absorb and distribute load through the spine evenly to allow us to move efficiently. Think of them like a doughnut, only way stronger!

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These discs have an inner centre that reacts in response to how we move. For example, if we look down at our feet, the inner centre of the disc moves backwards and then vice versa if we look up.

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Over time, if we sustain postures such as sitting, the inner centre can begin to press on or break through the back wall of the disc, causing pain, inflammation and pressure on the nerve. Sometimes referred to as a slipped disc. When the nerve is irritated or compressed, we can experience pain in the back and down the leg, also known as sciatica.Ā 

Other Causes Of Neck Pain

Other causes of Neck Pain include Degenerative Disc Disease (Osteoarthritis), Spondylosis, Osteoperosis, Spondylolisthesis, or stress fractures in relation to over training or traumas from road traffic accidents such as whiplash. Other conditions can also refer pain into the neck area.

How do we treat Neck Pain?

We use our 4-step system to assess and treat your neck pain as outlined below. This ensures you have the best possible chance of getting better and the problem not returning in future.Ā 

1) Assess

First we listen to you and take a detailed history of your neck pain. Then we assess your back, hips and lower legs using simple movement tests and screens.Ā 

We then explain your likely diagnosis and proposed treatment plan of exactly what we need to do to get you better.Ā 

2) Mobilise

We then begin treatment. This usually involves a combination of hands-on techniques as outlined below to help improve joint stiffness, decrease pain and improve muscle and nerve tension.

Soft tissue massage and mobilisation

Joint mobilisation

Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Muscle Energy Techniques

Taping

Advice around lifestyle, posture and ergonomics.

We begin to build your exercise rehab programme ensuring it fits around your life and is not overwhelming.

3) Strengthen

Once pain has begun to settle and we are moving in the right direction, the emphasis shifts to helping you build the necessary strength and resilience of muscles and joints in order to get those long-lasting results. We work with you 1:1 in our dedicated rehab space and/or start you in our group PhysioFit Pilates classes.Ā 

4) Optimise

Now that you are well on your way to being pain free, we show you how to build on these results. Many of our clients choose to start our Physio Led Pilates classes which are an excellent way to stay consistent with your exercises and to keep you on track going forwards.

Note: Most people donā€™t need scans but if during the assessment or subsequent treatment sessions we decide your condition does need further investigation like an X-ray or MRI, we have the facilities to refer you privately if you wish. Usually, we can get this organised and have a result within 3-5 days.Ā 

How do I get started?

If you are ready to book in then you can either phone the main desk on 0191 814 9717, or use our easy online booking system by clicking here and selecting the ā€˜Physiotherapy Assessment/First Appointmentā€™ option at a day and time that suits you. You will usually be offered an appointment within 48 hours.

Like to speak to someone first?

No problem, please call the main desk and if needed we can have a physio call you back to discuss your specific situation.Ā 

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Ready to Book?

All of our appointments can be easily booked online or if youā€™d prefer to discuss your needs prior to booking in then please call 0191 814 9717 and we will be happy to chat.