Head & Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common presenting issue at Excel Body & Health Clinic. There are many causes of neck pain and finding the root cause of it will determine the best management for you. Causes include: postural compensations caused by being seated for long hours whilst using the computer or increased phone use, mechanical stressors, sporting injuries, whiplash and arthritis.
Unfortunately neck pain is quite common in the modern world and can often develop over time, which if left untreated, can become quite debilitating.
Some common neck conditions we can assist with are:
FACET JOINT SPRAIN
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Facet joints are small joints on the back part of your vertebrae which aid in providing different ranges of motion for your spine. Like other joints, facet joints have a capsule of ligaments that surround them, which can become inflamed, irritated or torn if they are progressively overloaded, stretched or compressed.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
SYMPTOMS
- Neck pain and headaches
- Limited range of movement - which can result in pain when the joint is moved in a particular direction (for example: looking up or rotating the neck).
- Pain that is worse in the morning or after neck movement
- Tenderness of the neck muscles and joints
OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE NECK
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
OA of the neck affects people over the age of 45 and increases as people age.
SYMPTOMS
- Gradual onset of neck pain
- Reduced neck flexibility
- Stiffness in the mornings or after long periods of immobility
- Crepitus or cracking sounds with neck movement
- Headaches
DISC INJURY
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Anatomically, your spine is made up of vertebrae (bones) and discs. These spongy discs are located between each bone and are designed to be shock absorbers. Therefore they contribute to protecting the health of the bones, joints and surrounding muscles. The disc comprises of the:
- Annulus Fibrosus: the strong outer rim made up of multiple diagonal layers
- Nucleus Pulposus: the central soft and gel-like substance
An acute injury can irritate and damage a disc, however, more commonly we find the Annulus Fibrosus (outer covering) becomes weak from minor tearing over time which can influence the integrity of the tissue. This weakened outer rim combined with excessive compression can make it vulnerable to injury.
What Causes this Condition?
Acute trauma or significant force or impact to the head or neck can commonly cause disc injuries. Car accidents, Whiplash injuries or work-place injuries can be examples of such trauma.
Other examples include repeated minor injuries over a long period, strong head contact in sports,, straining from repetitive lifting or prolonged and sustained poor postures, as well as age.
A disc can:
- Bulge/ Protrude: As we age, our discs begin to deteriorate and can begin to look like they ‘bulge’ outwards
- Herniate: The outer covering of the disc tears, which causes the nucleus pulposus to leak into the spinal canal
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
SYMPTOMS
- Neck and upper back pain
- Headaches
- Tenderness of the neck
- Reduced neck flexibility
- Pain on neck motion, especially looking downwards
-
If nerve compression is present people can experience;
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands or fingers
- Weakness of the arm or hand
TREATMENT FOR NECK PAIN
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
The team at Excel Body & Health are highly skilled practitioners that will assist in determining the cause, treatment and management of your neck pain. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and will focus on reducing pain, restoring normal function and preventing re-injury of your neck.
Treatment may include soft tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, stretching, joint mobilisation, articulation, manipulation, dry needling, taping and/or exercise prescription.
A personalised treatment plan will aid in managing the injury and associated pain in the short and long term.
