Dealing with neck and head pain is often difficult. It may affect many facets of life, from your productivity to your mood to your overall quality of life. That is why it’s often vital to work towards identifying the cause and potential solutions.
Neck and head pain may occur due to countless internal and external factors. One aspect we may consider is if neck arthritis causes headaches for you. Our experienced team will assess your situation and aim to develop a plan that suits your needs and goals depending on the underlying factors that are leading to your neck or head pain.
Our multidisciplinary team at Excel Body & Health aims to help you have less pain and better functionality. For instance, physiotherapy may be a suitable therapy for your needs. Learn more about neck and head pain and how we might help you.
What Causes Neck And Head Pain?
There are various reasons why you may experience discomfort in this region. These may lead to acute or chronic pain and often require a targeted response. Some potential causes of neck and head pain include:
- Medical conditions such as arthritis, cervical spondylosis, migraines, and fibromyalgia.
- Stress.
- Injury.
- Poor posture.
- Lack of sleep.
- Hormonal changes.
- Genetics.
- Tight muscles.
Neck Arthritis And Head Pain
Arthritis is a less common reason behind neck or head pain, but it may be a significant factor for some people. This condition involves joint degeneration, which often leads to discomfort and inflammation. If this occurs at the top of your spine in your neck region, the weight of your head may add considerable force to the affected area. Pain may refer to your neck, jaw, and head.
If you or your physio suspect that arthritis may be a contributing factor to your neck or head pain, you may require a visit with your doctor and specific tests, such as a MRI or x-ray. If arthritis is the cause, we can create a personalised care plan to support you. We may work in conjunction with your GP or specialist if suitable.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Neck And Head Pain?
Your physiotherapist will look at non-surgical treatment options, which may be your sole therapy or used in combination with other methods that your doctor advises, such as medication or surgery. If your discomfort is due to arthritis in your neck, there are various techniques your physio may employ to help you.
Physiotherapy methods that may help include:
1. Exercise Prescription
Your physio has the knowledge to develop a program that suits your needs. This may involve targeting weaknesses, particular symptoms, or personal goals. When it comes to neck and head pain, the focus may include exercises to strengthen your neck muscles, loosen tight muscles, increase flexibility, or relax the area. Exercises might include, for example, head tilts from side to side, neck rotation, and neck retraction.
2. Posture Correction
The neck region is subject to increased force and wear and tear, especially if you have arthritis in your neck. If you are putting extra stress on your neck because of poor posture, your pain may increase. Your physio will aim to help you put your body into better alignment to potentially minimise the impact. They may advise how to improve your posture both during the day and when you are sleeping.
3. Manual Therapy
Our physiotherapists are experienced and qualified in providing hands-on treatment suitable for neck and head pain. Your physio will aim to identify which approaches may suit your specific symptoms and condition. Manual therapy may include methods such as massage, joint mobilisation, dry needling, electrotherapy, stretching, and soft tissue techniques.
Physiotherapy For Neck And Head Pain
If you are living with neck or head pain, it has the potential to significantly impact your day-to-day activities. If your discomfort is due to a chronic health condition such as neck arthritis, it may be beneficial to have it identified as soon as possible and begin treatment.
Physiotherapy is a holistic form of treatment that may support your requirements and target outcomes. We undertake a thorough assessment of your medical background and symptoms and help you towards better health and well-being.
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