A Real Pain in the Neck

Many people suffer from chronic or recurrent bouts of neck pain and can cause a number of impairments despite symptoms resolving. Neck pain is strongly associated with things like headaches, issues related to posture as well as stress. 

 

Pain can be quite significant and may occur quite suddenly either traumatically or in a non-traumatic way. In this article we will discuss a few of the most common issues around the neck and also go through some excellent pain reducing strategies to help. 

 

Acute Wry Neck 

A wry neck is characterised by the sudden onset of sharp pain with a significant limitation of movement. A wry neck will typically occur either after a sudden quick movement or when waking up from sleeping. When moving suddenly the muscles around the neck will go into a spasm which is incredibly painful. 

 

Whiplash Associated Neck Pain 

As the name suggests whiplash normally occurs after the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the neck. This typically occurs as a result of a motor vehicle accident or when the neck suddenly makes contact with the ground during a sporting event. 

 

Cervicogenic Headaches or Neck Related Headaches 

Neck related headaches are quite common, in fact the neck can have an influence approximately 14-18% of intermittent headaches. These headaches are related to the stiffness of the joints and tension of the muscles around the top three cervical vertebrae and can be linked to things like poor sleep, age and stress. 

 

All three of these conditions can be extremely painful and can have a significant impact on a person’s capacity to perform functional activities. Effective management of these conditions relies on a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist, however there are still some good pain relieving strategies that can be helpful if you suffer from these conditions. 

 

This includes things like using heat packs regularly, taking anti-inflammatories, managing your overall stress levels and exercising regularly. 

 

A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist will be able to guide you through a successful treatment plan to help restore your movement, reduce your pain and help build up your muscle strength.  

 

If you or anyone else is currently suffering from neck pain and requires some help, please contact me on the details below as I would love to be able to help you out. 

 

 

 

Chris Pearson
Physiotherapist & Accredited Exercise Physiologist