Neck Injuries & Pain

Categories of Neck Injuries & Symptoms of Pain

Patients complaining of neck pain present with either joint, muscular or neural dysfunction and an accurate examination is vital to reveal the primary source of the problem and provide the most appropriate treatment.

Neck injuries can be traumatic as those caused by rapid acceleration/deceleration (Whiplash), poor posture (Wry neck), degeneration (arthritis) and from weak muscles around the neck. Cervical headaches are often accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. Neck pain can also refer to the shoulder and the upper arm.

The neck is best positioned when it is in a neutral position and in some patients pain is caused by poor posture alone. Common postural faults include chin protrusion, the head is positioned too far forward causing excessive loading of the lower neck. This causes irritation to the cervical discs and joints resulting in neck pain.

This forward head position also alters the way that muscles work at the top of the neck and this leads to weakness and instability of the small stabilizing muscles.

Useful Information

The neck is best positioned when it is in a neutral position and in some patients pain is caused by poor posture alone. Common postural faults include:

  • chin protrusion,
  • head is positioned too far forward causing excessive neck loading.

How can we help?

If you are unable to travel to one of our practices due to lack of mobility or pain, we are available to come to your place of residence and carry out physiotherapy treatment in the comfort of your own home.

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Whiplash Injuries & Chronic Neck Pain

Whiplash injuries lead to stretching and compression of the top part of the neck and they can be associated with ongoing pain. Ongoing pain is due to the structures being damaged leading to instability. This in turn leads to pain and hypertonic muscles. A specifically tailored combination of manual therapy and exercise can restore stability to the upper part of the neck.

Chronic neck pain can be complex condition. It is necessary to follow an extensive strengthening and a postural correction program to regain normal function. It is also essential to minimize pain as important muscles become weak in response to decreased movement and to the pain. This muscle weakness and instability requires other larger muscles to support the neck and as they are not designed to perform this role they become hypertonic (abnormal/increased tone or spasm) and very tight.

Treatment

Just as for low back pain, multimodal treatment, including specific therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (massage, spinal mobilizations/manipulations), use of  electrophysical agents (heat, ice, electrical nerve stimulation), dry needling, taping or bracing,  and advise on self management techniques play an important role in relieving short-term pain and restoring long term function.

Having Strong Neck Pain?

Please call us and tell us about your problem. Our physiotherapists are here to help!

Southern Sports Physio team is dedicated to providing you with top quality service and care.

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“Bill provided expert treatment and advise for me and my soccer players throughout the season helping them return to play as quickly as possible. He also provided match day coverage , strapping the players and managing the on field injuries. I have no hesitation in recommending Bill and Southern Sports Physio for help with  treating sports injuries.”

Steve Meadows

Head Coach Marton Hammers FC