Neck Pain: Causes and Treatments

Neck pain is a common problem that many people suffer from. There are many different causes of neck pain, and it can be difficult to determine the cause without professional help. In today’s blog, we discuss some of the causes of this, as well as how physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment for neck pain can help.

How to Deal with Your Neck Pain

Causes of Neck Pain

There are many causes for neck pain, too many for this article alone. However, we will cover a few of the most common causes. If you are experiencing neck pain, but do not think that it is related to any of the conditions highlighted today, do not hesitate to get in touch!

Muscle Strains

Daily Life

One of the most common causes of neck pain is muscle strain. This can be caused from a variety of reasons, but often comes as a result of overuse. This can derive from every day activities, such as spending too long slouching in a seat at work, poor posture, reading in bed and even grinding your teeth. The pain here is often not severe, but years of neglect can cause harm to your neck.

The main solution here is to make little changes to every day life. For example, this could include standing up every few hours at work to stretch and give your neck a rest. Alternatively, sleeping with pillows or a mattress that supports the neck or spine can make a large difference.

Sport

Sometimes muscle strains in the neck derive from sport. This is especially common in contact sports, such as rugby and boxing. Here the strains can often be more severe as they are associated with sudden, jerky movements.

If you are a regular participant in a sport that puts your neck at risk, it is important to make sure you have good warm-up and cool-down routines. This will stretch out the muscles and ligaments in the neck and help to prevent injury. It is also important to wear appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet or padded vest. It is also important to keep the neck moving regularly to retain its flexibility and range of movement.

If you are experiencing neck pain as a result of sport, there are a variety of treatments available depending on the cause. Often, over-the-counter painkillers can ease the pain. However, if it is a more serious injury, seeing a physiotherapist or receiving chiropractic treatment for neck pain can help.

Worn Joints

As you age, your neck joints may wear down and you may develop osteoarthritis, which is a condition that causes the cushions between your bones to deteriorate. This can lead to pain and stiffness in your neck. As the cartilage in joints begins to wear away, bones can rub together, leading towards pain and discomfort.

There are a few things that you can do to help relieve neck pain. First, try using a heating pad on your neck for fifteen minutes a day. Second, stretch your neck muscles regularly. Third, make sure to maintain good posture and alignment when sitting or standing. Finally, if the pain is severe, consult with your doctor about medications or other treatments that may help. Your neck is important to you, so do not hesitate to seek professional help if necessary.

Nerve Compression

If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s possible that you’re suffering from nerve compression. This condition is caused by herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck that press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord. The symptoms of nerve compression can include neck pain, tingling or numbness in your hands and arms, and difficulty walking.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. They will likely conduct a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to determine the source of your pain. As a result, a doctor may prescribe physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment for neck pain. Often, nerve compression can be treated, particularly when caught early, so do not hesitate if your neck is noticeable sore for a prolonged period of time.

Injuries

As mentioned prior, sporting injuries can cause neck pain, however there are other ways in which your neck can be injured. We will now discuss this in more detail.

Whiplash is a neck injury that is common. It is caused by a sudden movement of the head backwards and then forwards. This often happens in car accidents, but can also occur during other types of accidents, or even during sport. The force of the movement stretches and tears the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash can include:

· neck pain

· headache

· dizziness

· tingling or numbness in the arms

· pain in the upper back

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment for whiplash will vary depending on how severe the injury is, but may include: resting your neck, taking medication or seeking physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment for neck pain.

Diseases

Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, or cancer can cause neck pain. If you are experiencing neck pain and have any of these diseases, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Neck pain can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as injuries, poor posture or stress.

It is obviously particularly difficult to diagnose these conditions yourself. So, if you are unsure of the cause of your neck pain, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Acting quickly is key to combating pain and disease, so do not hesitate.

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Neck Pain

If you are experiencing neck pain, you may be wondering if chiropractic treatment can help. The answer is yes – chiropractic care can be very effective in relieving neck pain.

One of the main benefits of chiropractic care is that it helps to restore proper alignment of the spine. When the spine is out of alignment, it can put pressure on the nerves and muscles in the neck, leading to pain. Chiropractic adjustments help to realign the spine, taking the pressure off of the nerves and muscles. This can help to reduce or eliminate neck pain.

Another benefit of chiropractic care is that it helps to improve circulation and mobility in the neck. This can also help to reduce or eliminate pain.

If you are experiencing neck pain, chiropractic care may be the right treatment for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if chiropractic care can help you.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Neck Pain

Physiotherapists will typically start by assessing your condition and diagnosing the cause of your neck pain. They will then develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include exercises, stretches, and massage therapy. In some cases, physiotherapy may also involve the use of devices such as heat or ice packs, or electrical stimulation.

Physiotherapy can be beneficial in dealing with neck pain because it can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility, thus preventing neck pain from recurring, particularly if it is as a result of injury. It can also help to reduce inflammation and pain which can maximise recovery.

Contact Us

If you are seeking physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment for neck pain, then BOOK NOW or contact us at Falcon Health today on 01444 257555 or info@falcon-health.com. Alternatively, to learn about our other treatments, explore our website.