Osteopathic Advice for Neck Pain
All of us might have experienced neck pain at some point in our lives. It is difficult to move around with neck pain. You may look weird and will be a fun factor for people. Moreover, neck pain ruins your whole day, and you may feel lost!
There are a lot of reasons for neck pain to occur and disrupt your mood. Supporting the weight of the head is the primary function of the neck (on average a human head weighs about 4.5 to 5 kg), thus our neck is always prone to pains and aches. But surprisingly, the neck is very flexible and strong, but also is delicate.
The neck is composed of seven vertebrae (cervical spine). They are arranged as columns, with discs that absorb any shock. They form a connection to the skull and also have the spinal cord.
Pain and Stiffness of the Neck
Pain and stiffness around the neck is a common issue, it can be either localized or can radiate to other areas especially around the head that may cause headache, or shoulder, upper back, and arms. Irritation of the nerve root of the neck may occur when joints of the back of the spine experience wear and tear or due to a bulged disc.
This irritation may sometimes cause pricking pain, pain when moving the head sideways, weakness of arms and shoulder, stiffened neck, hand, or may even radiate to legs.
The reason for neck pain is probably known, when an injury occurs. But at times, poor posture, a change in sleeping position can also contribute to neck muscles being pulled causing pain.
Neck pain usually subsides within a few weeks. But effective measures adopted at right time will always fasten the recovery. Richards Osteopathy provides you the hope and the relief you wish!!!
Neck Pain Causes
Sometimes a tightness can be felt around the neck and upper back, making hypertonia for the muscles around, it may cause restricted movement, and is unable to move the neck freely. It ultimately causes pain.
This stiffness can occur due to a variety of reasons. Unusual sleeping habits, keeping the neck in an improper angle, or inappropriate pillow is usually the triggering factor for neck pain as well as shoulder pain to occur.
Postural differences, in sitting for long periods (in sloughed or hunched position) can also aid in neck pain. But as these have occurred as a result of stiffness of the joints and muscles of the neck, it may subside on its own within a short time. Sitting straight, correction of position, taking adequate breaks in between works, using supportive pillows are some of the possible measures to tackle the same.
In addition to this, people also experience (neck pain symptoms) headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, stiff neck, and a restriction in movement.
Inflammation of joints and tissues around can occur in case of chronic muscle imbalances. These occur as a result of wear and tear, the strain on joints, an injury, etc. it is not recommended to wait for the condition to resolve on its own.
The Richards’ Centre Osteopathic team may offer manual treatment, together with exercises to resolve and relieve pain. Neck strain leading from neck joints can radiate to other areas of the body in such conditions, and the patient experiences terrible pain.
Subtle movements and gentle massages adopted by our Osteopaths help alleviate the pain and all the associated complaints.
Any strain to the disc can also lead to neck pain. A low back disc strain is much painful, can also affect the nerves near to it. It may cause a tingling sensation, pain, weakness, and numbness of the arms and shoulders. Proper assessment, analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition by qualified Osteopaths at Richards Osteopathy minimizes the strain on you and settles the problem.
Causes for neck pain includes:
- Postural changes
- Using computers for a prolonged period
- Unusual sleeping habits
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Lifestyle changes
- Disc bulge
- Osteoarthritis ( wear and tear to the joints of the neck)
- Disc prolapse
- Muscle strain
- Sports injuries
- Whiplash
- Degeneration of discs
- Viral infection, especially the throat
Neck Pain And Osteopathy Treatment
As in any condition, the proper diagnosis itself is the key for treatment in neck pain also. Having neck pain is not a big thing to worry about. Richards Osteopathy is always there for your help! Manipulation of bones and massaging the muscles are the goal of treatment in Osteopathy.
Osteopathic treatment can reduce pain in the neck as well as the shoulder
Misalignment of the skeleton occurs when you have neck pain. Our qualified Osteopaths use hand-on techniques and manual therapy to understand the condition by finding out areas of trouble and weakness, and restricted movement. Restoration of normal functions is carried out using many techniques, which include gentle and subtle massage. As neck pain radiate to other areas of the spine also, proper address of the spine at its different areas will help resolve the issue.
A detailed assessment is made to find out the cause of the condition by our Osteopaths. Osteopathy makes use of a holistic approach to treat the condition, giving equal emphasis to the body and environment. Later, Osteopaths carry out mobilization of the spine and neck, along with soft tissue massage. Massage done by the Osteopaths helps remove the tension and provide relaxation to the muscles. This may also alleviate your pain, eases the movement, stretches and strengthens the muscles, and helps you to move your neck freely, get adapted to, and reduces the chances of reoccurrence of neck pain. We, at Richards Osteopathy, provide you advice on exercises and lifestyle modifications that target putting neck pain to an end in the future. When needed, referral to a General Practitioner is also made, when symptoms such as trouble breathing, numbness, etc occur (cause for the condition may vary).
Why use the Richards Centre?
Our Osteopaths at Richards Osteopathy mainly aim to treat the condition by reducing the chances of relapse of the episode. Structural and functional balance attained as a result of treatment limits the likelihood of recurrence.
Osteopathic treatment improves blood flow and enhances the range of motion, improves well-being. Self-help is also advocated through technique and exercise to speed up recovery.
We help you, Come to Richards Osteopathy!!!