What’s going on?
If you’re suffering from pain in the neck, it can be really debilitating – especially as it can be impossible to find a comfortable sleeping position. So what’s causing it?
One of the most common reasons for neck pain is cervical spondylosis or arthritis of the neck – a condition that’s caused by general wear and tear. It causes pain or stiffness in the neck and affects 85% of people over the age of 60. And many of them find that osteopathy treatment and stretches really help.
Pain can also be caused if the neck becomes locked in an awkward position while sleeping. Or you may experience pain, pins and needles or numbness in your arms and hands, if a nerve root in the neck is inflamed or irritated.
And one of the biggest causes of neck pain is poor posture. ‘Text Neck’ is an overuse syndrome that’s caused when you hold your head in a forward and downward position for a long time. It’s becoming more common as people spend more time on their screens – and the tension that builds up in the deep muscles of the neck can even cause neck pain, jaw pain and chronic headaches.
How can osteopathy help?
At your initial consultation, we’ll start by taking a detailed case history. This will help us understand what mobility you have through your neck and shoulders. As well as positions that you find difficult – such as trying to pull a jumper over your head or brushing your hair properly.
We’ll assess muscle spasm and nerve function, then check muscle strength and take reflexes. Neck pain and irritated nerves can be treated effectively with soft tissue release techniques, gentle mobilisation, and decompression of affected areas. This can also be combined with exercise prescription and tips to correct your posture – and possibly go hand-in-hand with medications such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories as prescribed by your GP.
Book an appointment if you’re struggling with neck pain. Or if you still have questions about osteopathy and if it’s right for you, why not give us a call for a chat?
