Neck Pain Solutions | Mana Health Clinic

3 years ago

Do you work in an office, spend hours playing sports or exercising, or go out on the tools every day?

If so, the chances are that you have experienced some neck pain. It’s, unfortunately, a common ailment that affects many of us – young and old.

No matter what has caused your neck pain, this blog post will take you through what to look for and how to begin treating it with simple steps. You’ll learn why it is essential to be mindful of your environment when dealing with neck pain and explore potential treatments for long-term relief. By the end of this article, you’ll be knowledgeable about improving your condition overall!

What are the causes of neck pain, and what are the symptoms?

Neck pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages.

If you have neck pain, know that you are not alone.

Usually, it can be caused by various conditions, diseases or traumatic injuries.

You may have experienced some of the symptoms, which can vary, but generally, you may feel:

– neck stiffness,

– reduced mobility,

– headaches,

– aches and discomfort,

– radiating pain down the shoulder

– pins or needles in the hand

– crunchy or clunky noise while moving your head.

As scary as it can be, most neck pain resolve over time.

The neck consists of vertebrae connected by joints known as facet joints. These joints provide adequate stability while still allowing us to move freely.

Most of the time, people blame poor posture, degeneration, arthritis or disc herniation to be the cause for their pain.

Unfortunately, you may have been diagnosed with one of these conditions; it doesn’t necessarily mean that there are the true causes of your problems.

When should you see a doctor for neck pain or an allied health professional like an Osteopath or a Physiotherapist?

Even though most of the neck pain is not worrisome, sometimes there may be underlying medical conditions that have to be addressed and checked. For instance, car, sport, bike or fall accidents may cause neck pain due to damage inflicted on the spine. And sometimes, illness can also cause unusual symptoms that come out of the blue.

Make sure to seek help from your doctor or go to Emergency services if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

– Weight loss

– High fever

– Pain in the face, blurred vision, dizziness, vertigo

– Loss of sensation in the arms, on the face

– Loss of smell and taste

– Sharp pain in the skull that is relentless

– High blood pressure

– Feeling disoriented and lost in space

If you are not experiencing any of the rare symptoms above, you could see an Osteopath to help with your neck. Osteopaths are highly skilled medical professionals who are well-equipped to diagnose neck pain. They have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the neck and spine, enabling them to accurately identify the source of neck pain. Osteopaths can perform various physical tests and maneuvers to assess neck range of motion, strength, reflexes, muscle tone, tenderness, and other factors that can help determine the cause of neck pain.

Overall, neck pain is quite common and usually treatable through proper diagnosis followed by an appropriate treatment plan incorporating available evidence-based practices offered through modern medicine.

Can an Osteopath help with my problem? What are the treatment options for neck pain?

When it comes to treating neck pain, osteopaths are unique and different from one another. Osteopaths use various techniques that can be tailored to the individual patient’s needs. These include manual manipulation and massage therapy, as well as exercises designed to improve posture and strengthen the muscles in the neck area. Osteopathic treatment is often combined with other treatments, such as acupuncture or physical therapy, for maximum benefit. Every osteopath has their own set of skills and approaches, making them all unique in how they treat each person’s specific case of neck pain. A good osteopath will take into account your lifestyle, health history, goals and preferences when creating a treatment plan so that you get the best possible outcome for your condition.

At Mana, our osteopaths are trained in patient education and pain science. Not only can they use manual techniques to approach your neck issue. But they can work with you on work ergonomics, lifestyle advice, pain management and exercises designed to improve neck strengthening and flexibility. With our expertise in musculoskeletal medicine and their understanding of anatomy and physiology related to neck pain, our osteopaths are ideally suited to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plans for those suffering from chronic neck pain.

For long-term management strategies of chronic issues with neck pains, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), pain neuroscience education, and resistance training may be beneficial as it helps patients learn how their thoughts affect their behaviour when faced with physical symptoms like those associated with long-term musculoskeletal problems such as those caused by repetitive motions leading to overuse injuries or postural imbalances contributing to ongoing discomfort. And also help to understand why they are in pain and what they can do about it.

How can you manage neck pain on your own?

You may be feeling neck pain affecting your daily life, but the good news is you don’t have to suffer in silence. While neck pain can range from mild aches and pains to chronic neck issues that require medical intervention, there are many tips you can use on your own to help manage neck pain effectively. However, it’s important to remember that no one size fits all when managing neck pain, so what works for someone else may not work for you. Nonetheless, with a little effort and creative thinking, you can find ways to reduce neck discomfort and improve your quality of life.

From simple stretches and exercises to lifestyle changes and other creative solutions, there’s no shortage of ways to reduce neck discomfort and improve your quality of life. So if you’re looking for ways to take control of your neck pain without relying solely on medical intervention, read on for some helpful tips!

There are a lot of gurus online or people that are saying that you need to make sure you practice good posture at all times, especially when sitting at a desk or computer. This means keeping your neck aligned with your spine and not bending your neck forward excessively. Keep your chin slightly tucked in to prevent neck strain and pain. The reality is that keeping yourself straight at all costs won’t fix the problem. We talked about the myths behind posture in that article and explained how there have been many misconceptions about it for decades.
The same is true for pillows. Many pieces of advice tell you to consider using a cervical neck pillow explicitly made for neck support when resting. And the problem with these types of pillows is that they can be pricey and not work at all. Research has shown that there may be no change in the alignment of the cervical spine (neck) in the side-lying position, regardless of using rubber or feather pillows. However, it doesn’t mean having a good pillow won’t help support your neck while lying in bed. Studies show that pillows can make a positive difference in your neck pain. Although pillow designs do not change the sleep quality (Reference). In other words, don’t buy a pillow that promotes cervical spine alignment; buy one that is comfortable for you.
Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods; take frequent breaks and move around every half an hour to an hour to avoid neck pain from setting in. It would be best to take breaks from sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods to prevent neck pain. Moving around and taking frequent breaks throughout the day is essential, as neck pain can occur quickly if you stay in the same spot for too long. Regular breaks will ensure your neck stays healthy and robust and can help prevent neck pain before it sets in.
You must move your neck regularly as part of a routine exercise program. It’s an easy way to help keep the neck mobile and agile, but more than changing positions is needed. Motion is lotion, which means regular neck movements are essential for maintaining neck flexibility and range of motion.

Engage in regular physical activity such as swimming, yoga, Pilates or walking and gym, which can aid in strengthening the neck muscles, helping improve posture and flexibility of the neck area.
Unfortunately, neck braces and other posture correction supports are often touted as the solution to neck pain, but this isn’t true. These products are ineffective at relieving neck pain and can also be expensive and uncomfortable to wear. In this article, we will discuss why neck braces aren’t the answer to neck pain
Try heat therapy techniques like taking warm showers/baths or using a heating pad over sore areas on the neck; this won’t fix the problem, but it can make you comfortable for a short time.
Seek professional help if needed; consulting with an Osteopath who works in musculoskeletal disorders and pain can provide tailored advice specific to your needs so they can safely identify potential sources of your discomfort.

Suffering from neck pain can be debilitating, preventing you from completing even simple tasks. But there is hope! By understanding the possible causes of your neck pain and knowing what treatment approaches are available, you can work with one of our osteopaths today to develop a plan that works for you. Our team is ready to provide support if you’re looking for expert help. Don’t suffer in silence any longer; book an appointment today.

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References:

Hogg-Johnson, S., van der Velde, G., Carroll, L. J., Holm, L. W., Cassidy, J. D., Guzman, J., … & Carragee, E. J. (2008). The burden and determinants of neck pain in the general population: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 31(4), S46-S60.

Tang, N. K., Henschke, N., Moseley, G. L., & Hodges, P. W. (2016). Exploring the role of cognitive behavioral therapy and pain neuroscience education in the treatment of chronic low back pain: A review. Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology, 73(7), 929-938. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.1232

Kim, E. K., Kang, M. H., Kim, E. H., & Cho, J. H. (2017). The association between cervical posture and neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Spine Journal, 17(11), 1729-1738. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.06.018

Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers KA, Trott PH. Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Man Ther. 2009 Feb;14(1):67-73. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2008.01.005. Epub 2008 Feb 20. PMID: 18314256.

Ambrogio, N., Cutrufello, P.T., Gans, S.J. et al. The relationship between pillow use and cervical pain. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 22, 143–149 (2009). https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-2009-0228

Kuijper B, Tans JT, Schimsheimer RJ, et al. The long-term effect of a rigid cervical collar on painful symptoms in neck pain patients: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2003 Nov;17(7):665-70. doi: 10.1191/0269215503cr668oa. PMID: 14682548.

Röijezon U, Necking L, Dahlberg J, et al. Effects of Deep Neck Muscle Training on Disability Due to Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Rehabil Med. 2018 May 9;50(5):448-455. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2327. PMID: 29682630.

Hurwitz, E. L., Carragee, E. J., & van der Velde, G. (2008). Treatment of neck pain: noninvasive interventions: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine, 33(4 Suppl), S123-152. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181644b1d

Gross, A., Paquin, J. P., Dupont, G., Blanchette, S., Lalonde, P., Cristie, T., & Graham, N. (2015). Exercises for mechanical neck disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(1), CD004250. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004250.pub5

Kay, T. M., Gross, A., Goldsmith, C., Santaguida, P. L., Hoving, J., & Bronfort, G. (2005). Exercises for mechanical neck disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005(3), CD004250. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004250.pub3

Kjaer, P., Kongsted, A., Hartvigsen, J., & Isenberg-Jørgensen, A. (2017). Neck pain and treatment efficacy of chiropractic and conventional acupuncture for adult patients with chronic neck pain: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Pain, 158(10), 2052-2064. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001000

Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Anderson, A. V., Svendsen, K. H., Bracha, Y., & Grimm, R. H. (2012). Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 156(1 Pt 1), 1-10. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-156-1-201201030-00002

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