Osteopathy

What Can Cause My Neck Pain?

Have you ever experienced neck pain and wondered what it is? Neck pain is one of the most common complaints that an osteopath sees in private practice. Research has shown that 40-50% of people will experience neck pain yearly. Neck pain can range from minor discomfort all the way to severe pain that can affect your activities of daily living. Often the pain in our neck can be accompanied by a headache as well. This blog will explore common causes of neck pain and different ways to help manage it.

Symptoms of Neck Pain:

Pain in the neck, shoulders or upper back: It may be made worse with certain movements or positions

Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the neck

Muscle spasms: Increased tightness or spasms of the neck muscles

Headaches: Pain that is felt in the head, which can present in many ways

Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the arm or hand

Common Causes of Neck Pain:

Muscle strain: An overuse or strain in the muscles of the neck can lead to pain and stiffness. This can also be caused by poor posture

Joint Sprain: Whiplash, repetitive motions, or poor posture can lead to strain on the facet joints of the neck. Over time this can gradually lead to a sprain causing neck pain

Herniated Disc: A herniated disc, or “pinched nerve” in the neck can cause pain

Poor Ergonomics: Spending an extended period with poor posture whether sitting or standing, can lead to neck pain due to poor posture

Osteoarthritis: Inflammation of the neck joints and arthritic changes to the spine can cause neck pain

Injuries: Whiplash movements where there is a sudden jolt through the neck such as in a car accident is a common cause for neck pain

Osteopathy and Neck Pain:

There are many ways that an Osteopath can treat your neck pain, but it will depend on the cause of your neck pain. The treatment will always start with an assessment of your neck, posture, areas of discomfort. This will help us to identify factors that are contributing to your neck pain. Before treatment starts your Osteopath will talk to you about the plan to treat your neck pain and the cause of your neck pain. Treatment for your neck may include:

Soft Tissue Massage

Joint Articulation

MET

HVLA – “Cracking” or “Manipulation”

Dry Needling

Cupping

Exercise Prescription

Following treatment your Osteopath will go through your management plan again and often provide advice on self-management strategies that can help your neck. This may include self-massage techniques, strengthening exercises for the neck, or upper back. In some instances, your Osteopath may refer you for imaging of your neck.

Other Strategies to Help Neck Pain:

Keep as mobile as you can

When carrying out repetitive tasks make sure to take regular breaks and stretch

Drinking plenty of water to keep your tissues hydrated

Having good lifting posture and ergonomics

Regular exercises and stretching can have a preventive effect

Pain Medication – Speaking to your Pharmacist or GP before beginning any medication

If all that you have read today sounds like you are experiencing neck pain, do not hesitate to give the clinic a call to book in your appointment with an osteopath to help you start feeling back to your best self.

References:

Yu, H., et al ‘Does structured patient education improve the recovery and clinical outcomes of patients with neck pain? A systematic review from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration, The Spine Journal (2014); 16 (12)

Sihawong, R., et al ‘Exercise therapy for office workers with nonspecific neck pain: a systematic review’, Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics (2011) Jan; 34(1)

GBD 2021 Neck Pain Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of neck pain, 1990-2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Rheumatol. 2024 Mar;6(3):e142-e155.