Our spine is made up of bones (vertebrae that support the body’s weight), their joints (facets that guide the direction of the movement of the spine), and the discs (which separate the vertebrae and absorb the shock as you move), the muscles and the ligaments that hold it all together. One or more of these structures can be injured.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Pain or deep ache of the neck, shoulder or arm (this needs to be differentiated from true shoulder pain, such as tendonitis/ bursitis). There may be burning or tingling of the arm or hand or headaches. It may be continuous, or only occur when you are in a certain position. The pain may be aggravated by turning your head, looking up or looking down ( as with reading). Limited range of motion (less than normal movement) of the neck. Stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles.
SOME OF THE CAUSES OF NECK PAIN
• Postural strain
• Severe blow or fall, car accident, heavy lifting.
• Sleeping without good neck support/sleeping on your stomach
• Turning over while you are asleep. Then waking up with a “stiff neck.”
• Degenerated/ruptured cervical disc,
• Spondylosis (hardening and stiffening of the spinal column).
WHAT YOUR OSTEOPATH CAN DO FOR NECK PAIN
A Osteopath can help treat neck pain. Osteopathy can help treat stiffness and discomfort, improve recovery time and promote blood flow. Osteopaths can help to assess areas of improvement and provide treatment options for neck pain. An Osteopath can provide an assessment or examination to help determine the source of pain and its behaviour in the body. The location of the pain and how it behaves can provide an understanding of the underlying physiological problem and provide a treatment plan. Osteopathy can help create an appropriate exercise regimen, improve the nerve function, correct poor posture and develop the muscles of the cervical spine.