Neck Pain

Neck pain, along with low back pain and headaches are one of the most common conditions I see at the clinic.

The neck is made up of seven cervical vertebrae surrounded by supporting ligaments and muscles. These vertebrae are designed to be very mobile so that you can twist and turn your head around to various degrees. In fact, the cervical vertebrae are the most mobile part of your spine. This mobility has a drawback, it means the neck is less stable than the other parts of the spine which can make is prone to injury.

Common causes of neck pain include:

• Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) – commonly occurs during a motor vehicle accident especially when hit from behind. Other causes of WAD include falls of horses and bikes, amusement park rides and sports injuries. Whiplash can result in a variety of injuries including muscle and ligament strains and tears, disc bulges and even bone fractures. Symptoms can be as mild as a stiff neck and headache for one to two day all the way up to severe pain and disability in the neck and head and referred pain and numbness down the arms.
• Poor Posture - can be caused by working long hours in from of a computer. This often leads to rounded shoulders and forward head carriage which over weeks and years can lead to excessive strain being placed upon the muscles, ligament, joints and disc of the neck. Pain for poor posture is often worse as the day progresses and can be relieved by getting up and moving, giving the neck a stretch and getting the blood circulating.
• Arthritis - especially osteoarthritis is a common cause of stiffness and pain as we get older (50’s and beyond). The most common area it occurs in the joints between vertebrae C5 and C6. The pain is often worse in the morning and improves as we start moving.

The osteopaths at Harbour Osteopathy have years of experience in the treatment of patients with neck pain.  We provide an individualized osteopathic approach for each patient that incorporates the best available scientific evidence regarding the diagnosis, treatment and management of this spinal pain condition. To make an appointment call us today on 02 9977 8007.