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Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem.  Although people of all ages are affected, the risk of suffering from neck pain increases with age. There are a variety of causes, symptoms and physiotherapy management strategies for targeting neck pain, which are set out below.


Symptoms of neck pain are rarely a sign of an underlying serious condition, but in some cases a review by a doctor is advised. Cases of severe neck pain which become constant, which occur after trauma or which present with additional symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the arms will often warrant further investigation.

Neck pain and shoulder pain: home physiotherapy in London by the Home Physios

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Pain is located over the neck muscles and joints, and is often aggravated by movement or when holding a static position for a long period of time. 

 

Neck pain can be accompanied by stiffness and clicking of the joints, and with tightness and spasms of the surrounding muscles. Occasionally, neck pain can lead to headaches and in some cases symptoms of a ‘trapped nerve’ such as arm pain and numbness/pins & needles.

Causes and Conditions of Neck Pain

The causes of neck pain are varied. We know that the neck needs to move frequently throughout the day and pain often comes from patients having held static sedentary postures for prolonged periods. The positions we adopt in day to day life are often static with minimal movement occurring in the neck, for example sitting at a desk and using a PC. These postures can overload the joints and muscles leading to joint pain and stiffness and muscle ache. 


The other end of the spectrum can be excessive movement with repetitive tasks however this is less likely to lead to the pain we see with sustained postures and not moving enough. There are other conditions associated with neck pain that have different causes. See below for common conditions found at the neck:


  • Neck arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Whiplash
  • Facet joint pain
  • Brachial plexus injury
  • Disc herniation ("slipped disc")
  • Ligamentous sprain
  • Muscle strain
  • Nerve compression
  • Stress & anxiety
  • Torticollis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis

Assessment of neck pain

A physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment in order to establish the cause of your neck pain. They will ask questions regarding the severity, irritability and nature of your neck pain. They will also enquire about the history of your condition and the aggravating movements and activities. A physical examination will include an examination of your neck movement and palpation of the neck and surrounding muscles. Information gained through this assessment is then used to guide treatment.

Treatment and management

The home physios treatments for neck pain

The neck pain treatment which is advised by your Home Physio will vary depending on their findings on assessment. Treatment options include:

  • Posture education
  • Neck stretches and strengthening exercises
  • Manual therapy including massage and joint mobilisations 
  • Acupuncture
  • Neck range of movement exercises
  • Heat and Ice therapy


Beginner Exercises

  1. Neck rotations - Lying down with your head resting on a pillow, rotate your head to the right and left. 
  2. Chin tuck - Keeping your eyes level, tuck your chin inwards.
  3. Shoulder shrugs - Raise your shoulders up and down. Hold weights to increase difficulty. 


If you are looking for a local home physiotherapist to assist you with your neck pain or problem, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us for a consultation. Contact us on the form below, phone 020 8226 0187 or email - contactus@thehomephysios.com 

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