Blog
Neck Pain
Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, increase joint mobility and restore balance to your cervical spine. We can also provide with a personalised exercise plan to manage your neck pain at home as well as provide postural advice including workstation setup.
Neck pain is a very common condition treated by osteopaths. The chance that you will have neck pain at some point in your lifetime is nearly 50%. Neck pain peaks in middle age and has a higher incidence in females than males. For most people, an acute episode of neck pain will resolve in approximately 6-8 weeks with conservative management. Chronic neck pain persists in 10-34% of people.
Symptoms include:
Pain aggravated by posture or neck position
Muscle tightness and spasm
Restricted movement
Headache
Altered sensation in your fingers or hands eg pins and needles
Your osteopath will take your medical history, examine your cervical spine and make a diagnosis and treatment plan to assist your recovery.
Causes of neck pain can include:
~ muscle strains
~ osteoarthritis
~ facet joint sprains
~ disc irritation
~ torticollis
~ whiplash
~ other diseases eg rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment
Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, increase joint mobility and restore balance to your cervical spine. We can also provide with a personalised exercise plan to manage your neck pain at home as well as provide postural advice including workstation setup.
Tips for neck pain
osteopathic treatment
be aware of and improve your posture.
stay active with walking, movement and gentle exercise
neck exercises including stretches and strengthening
heat/ice therapy
take frequent breaks if you are travelling in a car or sitting at a computer for extended periods
adjust your workstation including your desk, chair and computer
sleep in a good position with a supportive contour pillow.
When to see your G.P.
Your osteopath is a primary care practitioner who can make a referral to your G.P. or for further investigations if indicated.
Contact your G.P. if your pain is severe, persists for several days without relief, spreads down your arms or legs or is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling.
References
The fourth trimester
It is vital that mothers receive support and care following the birth process, especially if the birth was traumatic. Pain and discomfort can be aggravated by postural strain related to feeding, holding, and settling your baby.
⠀Postnatal care
It is vital that mothers receive support and care following the birth process, especially if the birth was traumatic. Pain and discomfort can be aggravated by postural strain related to feeding, holding, and settling your baby. Sleep deprivation, biomechanical, and hormonal changes may also contribute to your pain. ⠀
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Osteopathic treatment is integral to support the wellbeing of mothers during this time. Treatment aims to restore balance, improve mobility, and to release tension in the muscles, joints, and ligaments. Gentle techniques allow a shift in the nervous system to a more restful state. ⠀
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Conditions that may present during the post-natal period:⠀
~ Low back pain⠀
~ Pelvic, sacral and coccyx pain⠀
~ Neck pain and headaches⠀
~ Thoracic spine pain⠀
~ Repetitive strain injury⠀
~ Thoracic outlet syndrome⠀
~ DeQuervain's syndrome⠀
~ Pelvic instability ⠀
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If you are currently pregnant, now is a good time to start building your village of support in preparation for the postnatal period. ⠀
