Neck pain: symptoms, causes and treatments

Neck pain is a very common complaint, particularly amongst those who work in front of the computer all day. It can present in a number of different ways. Headaches, static posture and neck rotation are the symptoms increased with it.Sometimes it referring from the neck, down into the shoulder or arm. Approximately 2 in 3 people suffer from a bout of it at some stage during their lives.

The main types of it are acute wry neck, whiplash, or degenerative. Most often it is non-specific where there is no particular structure causing the pain.

Non-specific neck pain is the most common type of it. Poor posture and pronlonged static postures such as looking at a computer, driving or reading is normally what triggers this non-specific mechanical neck pain. It is thought to be caused by a combination of muscle tightness and inflammation, joint stiffness and weakness of the muscles supporting the neck. Non-specific pain can also present due to increased stress. This causes increased tension and tightness of muscles in the upper body, in particular the trapezius muscles.

Acute wry neck occurs as a result of holding the neck in one position for a long period of time. It can also be moving the neck awkwardly, or sometimes the cause is unknown. With wry, patients present with unilateral neck pain. It is often from when your neck is rotated and stuck in this position. There is often an associated muscle spasm. This type of it tends to resolve relatively quickly.

Neck Pain

Whiplash: neck pain

Whiplash, normally occurs as a result of a MVA. Individuals normally experience a sudden impact where the neck is forced forwards into end range flexion, then backwards into end range extension. This can stretch and sometimes tear muscles and ligaments of the neck, resulting in instability of the neck. Pain often presents a day or two after the accident as the muscles begin to spasm and joints stiffen up.

Degenerative changes

Degenerative changes tend to occur in those who are in their late 40's/early 50's. This is a normal part of the ageing process but can vary form person to person, sometimes depending on posture, profession or sporting activity. Discs can dry out and provide less cushioning and shock absorption. Joint surfaces can become uneven and develop boney growths called osteophytes. This all leads to poor intervertebral joint movement and a reduction in range of motion and subsequent pain.

Treatment

Treatment of neck pain varies depending on the type of neck pain a patient presents with. The initial goal of treatment is always to reduce pain and increase range of motion.Soft tissue release, passive neck mobilisation and joint mobilisation help you achieve reduced pain and increased range of motion. You can promote better posture and offload irritated muscles and joints by effectively taping your neck. You should focus on deep neck flexor strength, scapular and upper back strength to prevent your pain from reoccurring again. To prevent reoccurrence of pain, you can do a ergonomic assessment if you suspect the pain is caused by work posture.

If you have been experiencing neck pain that is either acute or more chronic in nature, contact us here to see one of our experienced physiotherapists. We can also organise an ergonomic assessment to be carried out if you suspect your work station is contributing to your neck pain.