Neck Pain is one of the most common problems in the UK and more than two thirds of the British population suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives. Mike Squirrell Physiotherapy Harley Street are here to help diagnose and treat your neck pain.
Summary of neck pain
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal issues. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.The head is supported by the lower neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of your neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for your head to sit on. If this support system is affected adversly, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain.Neck pain may also arise from many other physical and emotional health issues
Neck Pain Harley Street
Neckache refers to pain at the back of the neck. Depending on the cause, this pain may also affect the shoulders, head and arms.
What causes neckache and who is at risk?
Neckache is a common symptom and has a number of causes. The most common of which include tension headaches and migraine. Arthritis in the neck (cervical spondylosis) and trauma to the head and neck including whiplash injuries may also result in neckache.
What are the common symptoms and complications of neckache?
The most common injury associated with chronic neckache is whiplash injury. This usually involves a rapid deceleration of the head such as may occur in a car accident. The head is typically flung forward and is then rapidly extended backwards. This usually results in tearing of muscle fibres in the neck which may lead to a low degree of inflammation in these musclesand chronic pain. It is unusual for serious bony injuries to occur in this situation, although this may happen and this will usually be revealed by X-rays. It is also uncommon for serious injury to the nerves or spinal cord in the neck to occur unless bones are broken. Correctly adjusted headrests can significantly reduce the injury from whiplash and should be installed onto car seats wherever possible. Return to types of neck pain
Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects mainly middle aged and elderly people and is caused by wear and tear between the bones of the neck. Pain in the neck is a common symptom, although this condition may exist without any neck discomfort. The neck pain may affect any part of the back of the neck. Frequently, the pain spreads down into one or both arms. Occasionally, it may be associated with other symptoms in the arms including tingling affecting any part of the hands or arms and numbness of the arms or hands. Typically, the pain is made worse by movement.
Usually the condition is chronic (long-term) but mild, but sometimes it can cause sudden neck pain. This is often caused by a rupture of a fibrous disc between the bones of the neck. The fragments of ruptured disc can bulge beyond their normal limits and compress the nerves in the neck or the spinal cord giving rise to shooting pains down the arms, weakness of the hand or arm or numbness of the arms. Occasionally, the condition can be severe and result in spinal cord compression leading to weakness of the legs and disturbances of bladder and bowel function. Return to types of neck pain
Other causes of neck pain
Other forms of arthritis may affect the spine in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis which would generally affect other joints in the body may also affect the spine. This results in pain stiffness and limitation of movement in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis generally affects women more than men and usually begins in early adult to middle age years.
A less common form of arthritis known as ankylosing spondylitis may affect the spine and also result in pain, stiffness and limitation of neck movement. It typically affects young men and involvement of joints other than the spine is less common. This condition may result in fusion (sticking together) of the bones in the neck and the rest of the spine severely limiting movement.
Another uncommon cause of severe neck pain usually spreading up to the back of the head on only one side is a condition called occipital neuralgia. There may be tenderness in the back of the neck and a stabbing pain arising on one side of the neck usually shooting into one side of the head at the back.
Neck pain also commonly results from poor posture. This is frequently as a result of an occupational habit and is common in office workers
Neck pain is treated by numerous physical therapies. They range in complexity depending on the severity and underlying causes of the pain. Treatment is administered by chiropractic, osteopathic and physical therapy. All of these specialties treat neck pain issues. The benefit of mobilisation and manipulation is not clear. Neck pain can also be eased via many self help techniques such as stretching, strength building exercises.The concept of mobilisation and manupulation is gaininig wide importance these days. Several researches are on the move which will definetely pave new and apt ways in the field of physiotherapy. The posture of an individual plays an important role in causing, as well as in seazing of neck pain. Forward stooped postures are the mainstay in causing pain. In this position the normal cervical lordosis is interrupted as a result the muscles from their point of origin to insertion is strained. Thus, as a simple stay of treatment, avoidance of this posture is the main starter to prevent neck pain. Return to types of neck pain
Courtesy of Wikipedia/Neck Pain
All health insurance including BUPA, AXA/PPP cover our treatments. X/Ray, MRI and GP/Specialist referral can be arranged immediately if required.