Neck Pain
What is it?
Neck pain is a common presentation at The Injury Clinic. Many factors and tissue structures can contribute to the development of neck pain, making accurate assessment and diagnosis important to ensure an appropriate management plan.
** Please note neck pain can also be from non-musculoskeletal sources or the temperomandibular joint (jaw; TMJ)
Symptoms commonly associated with neck pain
Symptoms associated with neck pain vary dependent on both the individual and the tissue structures involved. Tissues involved in neck pain can include: cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints, muscles, jaw.
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Neck pain that is described as sharp, shooting, dull or achey
- Pain that is localised to your neck, or referred towards your shoulder blade or mid-back
- Headache, jaw or facial pain
- Pain referred into your arm
- Neural symptoms in your arm inclusive of pins and needles, numbness, tingling etc.
SYMPTOMS MAY BE AGGRAVATED BY:
- Functional tasks such as lifting arm(s), overhead activities
- Postures such as prolonged sitting/standing, driving
- Sport or activity: throwing, swimming/surfing, rowing, gardening etc.
Contributing Factors associated with neck pain
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of neck pain.
MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS:
– Muscle imbalances and strength deficits
– Poor motor patterning
– Poor upper limb biomechanics
– Stress
– Grinding teeth/clenching jaw
– Repetitive functional tasks
– Prolonged posture – sitting or standing
– Loading – sport, work etc.
NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS
– Individual anatomical variations
Considerations in the management of neck pain
SHORT TERM
DIAGNOSE
This will involve the identification of tissue structures that are contributing to your presentation to ensure a targeted and effective management plan. Our Geelong Physiotherapists will work with you to ensure an accurate diagnosis of your injury.
EDUCATION
Education on what is causing your pain and symptoms. it is important that you have an understanding of your diagnosis to ensure not only management of symptoms, but reduction of future injury risk.
STRENGTHENING
Often exercises to address the strength of your postural muscles, or deep neck stabilisers are needed to help reduce the load through affected tissues.
MANUAL THERAPIES
Manual therapies such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and dry needling may be used to help address the health of muscles around your neck.
ACTIVITY MODIFICATION
You may be advised to modify certain activities that may be contributing to your symptoms.
LONG TERM
STRENGTHENING
Progression of your strengthening to a gym environment may be advised to ensure you are appropriately challenged and improvements can be made to ensure not only improvements in your current presentation, but reduction of future injury risk.
REFERRAL
It may be appropriate to refer for imaging, or involve other health specialists in the management of you neck pain.
SUMMARY
If you have any questions about your neck pain, please do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 5229 3911, email us at info@theinjuryclinic.com.au or book an appointment to see one of our Geelong physiotherapists.
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