Neck Pain - See An Osteopath for Effective Relief!

About Neck Pain - Osteopath

If you are one of the many Australians who experiences neck pain, neck ache or neck stiffness, you will be satisfied to know that our proven Osteopathic approach may offer the remedy you have been searching for.

Neck pain is prevalent with about 10 per cent of people having it at any given time.  This comes as no surprise when we consider the work of today’s life such as sitting in front of a computer, watching prolonged periods of television and an increasing occurence of poor posture - particularly forward head posture.

Issues within the neck can also create headache, shoulder pain, TMJ or jaw pain, pins and needles in the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome and upper back pain.

We encourage you to contact us for a thorough assessment with one of our Osteopaths if you commonly experience any of the following:

*  persistent neck ache first thing in the morning
*  neck stiffness when reversing in the car
*  clicking neck noise when turning
*  constant aching neck muscles
*  tingling in your hands or fingers

Causes of Neck Pain

By far the most common cause of neck pain is related to the effects of poor posture.  In order to know the impact of poor posture, we must first consider why spinal alignment within the neck is so significant.

Your head weighs about 5 kilograms and in normal alignment it is very carefully aligned on top of your seven neck bones (vertebrae).  Your muscles work hard to keep this position and easily withstand short moments of variation.

The problem begins when we assume difficult positions for prolonged periods, the fine balance is disrupted and the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and discs of your neck become strained and irritated.  Actually the force in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles for every 2-3 cm's that your head is forward!

Over time, the neck strain and pressure increases to a point where it becomes chronic and even the smallest changes in posture cause significant effects.  Added with the stresses and demands of modern life, it is no surprise why neck pain is so common.

Other frequent causes of neck pain include whiplash, arthritis and sporting injuries.

Neck Pain - Osteopathic Assessment

Thankfully, Osteopathy offers a very good treatment for neck pain.  After completing a complete history, orthopaedic and neurological examination, your Osteopathic Doctor will recommend a course of therapy that aims to decrease pressure, restore movement and prevent recurrence. 

Typically, your Osteopath will recommend the following:

*  postural advice and how to avoid further strain
*  a series of spinal adjustments to restore proper movement to the neck vertebrae
*  massage to tight neck muscles
*  neck exercises to encourage improved movement
*  neck strengthening exercises
*  heat/ice therapy to help manage your neck pain
*  recommend a contoured pillow to provide correct support while sleeping.