Neck Pain
Contents
Causes
Neck Pain can be caused by injury, trapped nerves, disc bulges between the vertebrae or be mechanical, muscular or due to osteoarthrosis of facet joints.
The sudden intensity of ‘acute neck pain’ can be due to a locked facet joint or a trapped nerve with resulting protective muscle spasm and referred pain to the head, shoulder, upper middle-back (between the shoulder blades) or into the arm, depending on which nerve or tissue is inflamed.
Trauma, anxiety, awkward sleeping positions and prolonged, poor posture at computer keyboards are possible causes.
Pain lasting longer than three months becomes ‘chronic’ neck pain.
There may be underlying problems such as ’slipped’ or bulging discs, osteoporosis (brittle bones), excessive curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and, very rarely, structural damage due to tumours or infection. Car accidents involving whiplash injury can result in acute or chronic neck pain which takes many months to improve.
Effects
Acute pain can cause torticollis, an abnormal neck posture where the head is forced to turn to one side often with weakness in the shoulder or arm with numbness, prickling or tingling sensation in the arm or fingers.
Danger signals
If these symptoms occur, dial 999 or seek medical attention urgently.
- neck pain may be a symptom of meningitis.
- a rash develops which does not fade when pressed with a glass tumbler or a finger.
- the patient feels ill or has fever & neck pain.
- severe pain on neck forward flexion
- light hurts the eyes – photophobia
- neck pain and severe headache or continuous vomiting
- a large disc prolapse causing cord compression in the neck with loss of muscle power in arms or legs. Neck pain from a recent head injury with drowsiness, confusion or vomiting.
- neck pain with severe headache or pain behind one eye.
- disturbances of vision, hearing, taste or balance.
- severe vomiting.
Diagnosis
- Chiropractic assessment of posture and spinal joint mobility, neurological examination of reflexes, strength and sensation, orthopaedic examination of the muscles, joints and spine.
- A Digital Computerised X- Ray Examination of the neck with the patient standing or sitting may be made at our Kensington Clinic, if indicated.
- MRI scans or blood tests may be necessary for a precise diagnosis.
Treatment
- Chiropractic, Medical Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Massage.
- Chiropractic treatment – specific, gentle spinal manipulation to mobilise and normalise spinal joint function
- Physical Therapy – laser, ultrasound, electrotherapy, massage, exercise and rehabilitation
- Medical Acupuncture or Therapeutic Massagecan help relieve chronic neck and shoulder pain
- Postural training and advice on correct ergonomic seating and computer screen height and position
- Medical treatment of mild muscle pain includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can help in the short term.
Call Ines or Maggie on 020 7937 8978 to make an appointment from 8am to 8pm – we’re here to help you.
There are three Sayer Clinics throughout London.
Each Clinic offers a variety of services for:
- back pain relief
- lower back pain relief
- neck pain, stiff back
- neck pain, headaches
- chronic back pain relief
Treatments include, Chiropractics, Chiropractic Acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage.
To view customer’s testimonials for Sayer Clinics London, please click here.
