- Limited movement or stiffness in the neck and shoulders
- Dull ache or sharp pain increasing with neck & or shoulder movement
- Nausea, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision
- Serious symptoms include pins & needles, weakness or numbness in the arms and hands
Neck pain can be the result of acute trauma such as car accidents involving whiplash where pain receptors detect strain and trauma at the joints, ligament, nerve, disc or muscular structures, the result is pain. Neck pain can also be caused by weak or tight neck muscles or joint stiffness as a result of poor posture such as long hours at a computer.
The physio will test the neck for imbalances in range of motion, joint stiffness and ligament laxity. Swelling and muscle spasm can be noted and managed, serious pathology is imaged to define diagnosis. These imbalances are then duly managed with manual therapies and other modalities eg exercise, traction, ice and heat. Predisposing factors will be addressed to prevent recurrence.
- Unable to raise the neck off the pillow or even turn over in bed because of pain
- Serious symptoms include pins & needles, weakness or numbness in the arms and hands
Do ask your physiotherapist, GP or sports physician about your condition, don't ignore it! It can worsen and lead to persistence of your symptoms and further disability.
- Diagnosis and explanation of your specific condition
- Management of swelling and return to full range of movement of the cervical and thoracic & joints
- Massage / joint mobolisation / manipulation
- Stretching and strengthening to prevent further weakness & recurrence
- Ice or heat & electrotherapy
- Dry needling and western acupuncture
- Xrays if necessary
- Referral for ant inflammatory medication from your GP if necessary
