Neck pain is common in people of all ages and is often caused by how we use our necks. Working all day bent over a computer, driving long distances, poor posture, stress and tiredness can all cause the muscles in the neck and upper back to tighten and the joints to stiffen, contributing to ongoing pain.
Sometimes a nerve in your neck becomes irritated or trapped, causing pain that travels into the shoulder, arm or hand, sometimes with pins and needles or numbness. Some headaches result from tension or stiffness in the neck and upper back. Osteoarthritis or age-related wear and tear in the neck can also cause muscular pain and stiffness.
Common conditions treated
- Muscular spasm
- Ligament sprain
- Facet joint restriction
- Disc pathology (injury)
- Osteoarthritis
How an osteopath can help
- Using a wide range of gentle techniques suited to your age, fitness and diagnosis, we reduce muscular tension in the neck and improve movement in the joints of the neck and upper back. We may massage the soft tissues, rhythmically rock the joints to release tension, and sometimes gently manipulate the neck, where you may hear a click.
- Treatment is different for everyone and may involve working on related areas in the back and shoulders as well as the neck.
- We offer advice on your posture at work and in the car, plus exercise and stretching to keep your neck and upper back relaxed.
- X-rays, scans or other tests are sometimes needed to make a diagnosis, and we may refer you to your GP or a specialist for further investigation or treatment.
