The neck is a particularly vulnerable area of the body which is subject to a number of complaints such as stiffness, pain and immobility. Neck problems can also cause other conditions such as headaches, dizziness and pain down the arms. The latter are particularly common in disc problems.
While trauma such as car accidents and sporting mishaps can lead to neck injury one of the most common causes of neck problems is posture. Office workers are particularly prone to this malady especially from sitting at a desk for long hours with few breaks.’
How can Osteopathy help?
Your Osteopath will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the problem and whether further investigations such as X-rays or MRI’s are needed.
Osteopathic treatment involves attention to the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck, advice about posture and some simple stretching or strengthening exercises. Attention to structures below the neck are also important as tightness and immobility in the mid and upper back and even hips often lead to compensatory changes in the neck that can lead to problems. Without addressing these areas neck problems often return.
The important focus in treatment is to improve the function of the neck and related structures which will determine the ease and comfort of movement. Even in cases of arthritis or other damage to structures in the neck an improvement in overall function will help to ease pain and improve mobility.
