Neck Pain

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a discomfort or pain felt in the cervical spine - the area of the spine that extends through the neck. It can range from mild stiffness to severe pain, making it difficult to move your head. The neck is composed of vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, all of which work together to support and move your head. When any of these structures are stressed, injured, or inflamed, it can result in neck pain.

Reference

Hoy DG, Protani M, De R, Buchbinder R. "The epidemiology of neck pain." Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Dec;24(6):783-792.

What are the Symptoms of a Neck Injury?

If you’re experiencing neck pain, it might be due to a variety of underlying conditions. It’s essential to recognize that neck pain can be associated with several other symptoms, which could indicate the severity or nature of the issue. These symptoms include:

  • Aching or Sore Neck: You might feel pain, burning, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation. The pain can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant.

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain: Discomfort may extend from your neck into your shoulders, upper back, or even up into your skull, contributing to headaches.

  • Headaches: Neck-related headaches, often called cervicogenic headaches, can be a common symptom.

  • Muscle Pain or Spasms: The muscles in your neck may feel tight, sore, or experience sudden spasms.

  • Dizziness: Some people with neck injuries might feel dizzy or light-headed known as cervicogenic dizziness.

  • Poor Posture: Neck pain can contribute to or result from poor posture, which may worsen your symptoms.

  • Nausea: In some cases, neck issues can lead to feelings of nausea.

  • Loss of Coordination: Difficulty in coordinating movements may occur, affecting daily activities.

  • Tiredness: Chronic neck pain can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels.

  • Lower Back Problems: Neck issues can sometimes be linked to discomfort in the lower back.

Chiropractic care can be a helpful approach for managing and alleviating neck pain, especially when combined with evidence-based practices. Research over the past few years supports the use of manual therapy, such as spinal manipulation, as part of a broader, individualised treatment plan. For example, a 2021 study found that spinal manipulation therapy can effectively reduce neck pain and improve function when used alongside exercise and patient education .

It's important to choose a chiropractor who adheres to evidence-based practices, ensuring that your care is safe, effective, and tailored to your specific needs. Chiropractic care in the UK is regulated to ensure that practitioners meet professional standards and provide high-quality care in line with the latest research.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, consider consulting a qualified chiropractor to discuss the best treatment options for your specific condition.

References

Rubis, L. M., & Spoto, M. M. (2021). Effects of spinal manipulation therapy on neck pain, range of motion, and neck-related function: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 44(7), 573-582.

What are Common Causes of Neck Pain?

Neck pain can be triggered by various factors, including:

Poor Posture: Sitting or standing in a slouched position can strain the muscles and ligaments of the neck, leading to pain.

Injury: Sudden movements or accidents, such as whiplash from a car crash, can damage the tissues in the neck.

Degenerative Diseases: Conditions like osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease can lead to chronic neck pain over time as the cervical spine wears down.

Stress: Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the neck, contributing to discomfort.

Reference:

Blanpied PR, Gross AR, Elliott JM, et al. "Neck pain: revision 2017." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Jul;47(7).

What are Effective Treatments for Neck Pain?

Effective treatment for neck pain often involves a combination of approaches, including:

Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and mobilisation techniques to help reduce pain and improve neck function. Research shows that these techniques can be effective, especially when combined with other therapies.

Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises are essential for improving neck function, posture, and reducing pain. These exercises target the muscles that support the neck and improve overall mobility.

Myofascial Therapy: This hands-on therapy focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles, which can reduce pain and improve movement.

Patient Education: Educating patients on posture, ergonomics, and stress management plays a critical role in preventing and managing neck pain. NRE offers this in a systematic and sustainable way. Understanding how to avoid strain and maintain a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of recurring pain.

It is important to get a treatment plan tailored to your specific health needs.

Reference:

Wong JJ, Côté P, Sutton DA, et al. "Are manual therapies, passive physical modalities, or acupuncture effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? An update of the bone and joint decade task force on neck pain and its associated disorders by the OPTIMa collaboration." Spine J. 2016 Mar;16(3):213-232.

What Are the Best Exercises for Neck Pain?

Specific exercises can help alleviate neck pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the cervical spine. Some of the best exercises include:

Chin Tucks: This exercise strengthens the muscles in the front of the neck and improves posture by encouraging the head to align properly over the shoulders.

Neck Stretches: Gently stretching the muscles on the sides and back of the neck can help relieve tension and improve flexibility.

Shoulder Blade Squeezes: This exercise strengthens the upper back muscles, which helps support the neck and maintain good posture.

Upper Trapezius Stretch: This stretch targets the upper part of the trapezius muscle, which can become tight and painful, especially in those with poor posture or stress-related tension.

It’s important to perform these exercises correctly and consistently for the best results. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, can ensure that you are doing the exercises safely and effectively.

Reference:

Michaleff ZA, Maher CG, Lin CW, et al. "Comprehensive physiotherapy exercise programme or advice for chronic whiplash (PROMISE): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial." Lancet. 2014 Jan 11;383(9919):617-626

How Can We Help You?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of Chiropractic Treatment, Exercise Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Dry Needling and Patient Education (NRE).

What If We Cannot Help You?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

  • Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

  • Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

  • Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.

MoveMed UK, where Movement is Medicine.