Physiotherapy For Neck Pain in Adelaide
What is neck pain?
Neck pain occurs in the area of the cervical vertebrae in your neck. Your neck is vulnerable to injury because of its range of motion and location. Neck pain or a stiff neck is very common and can affect your life in many different ways, and can vary from a sharp pain to muscle spasms, a reduced range of motion, or a dull muscular ache or even a headache. Dealing with neck pain can be frustrating but it can be relatively easy to fix or manage in most cases.
Treatment of neck pain
The optimal treatment depends on the cause and the type of the pain or injury. Here at Physio SA we can diagnose and treat mechanical neck pain. Your physiotherapist will analyse your history and conduct an examination and will focus on giving you the highest level of function possible.
We can help you with:
- mobilisation
- manual therapy and manipulation as required
- exercise programs
- posture correction
- patient education
- pain management techniques
- gait (walking) and movement re-education
- and/or ergonomic assessments and work-related injury prevention programs.
If we suspect your neck pain is caused by non-mechanical issues, e.g. a systemic issue like cancer, we will direct you towards the appropriate doctor or other healthcare practitioners.
Causes of neck pain
There are many causes of neck pain:
- overuse or improper use,
- trauma, injury or fractures,
- degeneration of vertebrae,
- infection,
- abnormal growth,
- poor muscle tone, muscle tension or spasm,
- sprain or strain,
- ligament or muscle tears,
- joint problems,
- a herniated disc,
- osteoporosis,
- birth abnormalities, etc.
Commonly neck joints become stiff or locked, which causes protective neck (and shoulder) muscle spasms and weakness in other muscles. Over time, this can alter your neck posture and strain in other muscles, which can deteriorate the condition. One affected muscle can have a major effect if not treated in time and can eventually lead to chronic problems.
