Neck pain is a very common health problem in Australia. It can significantly impact your quality of life and even affect your ability to work. Many things, including injuries, posture, or stress, can cause neck pain. It’s essential to see an osteopath if you have neck pain that lasts more than two weeks and worsens over time.
If you’re suffering from neck pain and have been trying to find relief without success, don’t give up hope! Osteopathic medicine offers treatment for neck pain that reduces its severity or even ends it.
In this article, we’ll discuss what osteopathic medicine can do for those suffering from neck pain. Why it’s so effective at treating this condition and how to manage it. At the end of this article, there will be links to more articles on how osteopathy can help with other health issues too!
What is Neck Pain?
Neck pain is a common condition that several issues, such as trauma, injury, or strain, can cause. It’s also can occur due to postural and sleeping habits, and muscle tension.
Neck pain can be a chronic condition that lasts for a long time and is often difficult to treat. It can also become more severe over time, so taking action as soon as possible is important if you suspect that you have this problem.
Causes Of Neck Pain
Neck pain can have a variety of causes, such as:
- Trauma or neck injury (such as whiplash)
- Posture and sleeping habits
- Sudden movements that strain the neck muscles
- Frequent heavy lifting or carrying heavy items for extended periods
- Arthritis in the neck
- “Slipped” OR “Bulging” disc in the neck
What are the most common symptoms of neck pain?
Pain include the following:
- Pain in the neck
- Headaches and migraines
- Pain in the upper back
- Pain in the shoulders
- Pain in the arms
- Pain in the hands (including fingers and thumbs)
- Pain when turning your head or looking up or down
- Pain that radiates from one side of your neck to another
- Difficulty bending over or lifting objects
Osteopathic Treatment for Neck Pain
Osteopathic treatment for neck pain is a safe and effective way to help relieve the pain and muscle spasms associated with neck pain. We use gentle manipulative techniques that encourage spinal motion. This reduces stress on your neck’s joints, muscles, and ligaments.
Our osteopathic treatment for neck pain may include spinal manipulation and massage. We also offer exercises designed to strengthen your neck, shoulders and upper back muscles. These exercises can help posture and reduce stress on your spine. Making it less likely that you will experience future episodes of neck pain.
Benefits of Seeing an Osteopath for Neck Pain
When you’re suffering from chronic neck pain, it’s essential to seek out a trained professional. Osteopathy is a hands-on treatment that can help relieve your pain and improve the health of your body.
Osteopaths use spinal manipulation, massage, and joint stretches to treat neck pain. They can also advise on improving your overall health and well-being. If you have chronic neck pain or another spinal problem, you must talk with an experienced osteopath about how they can help.
Significant research reports that people’s symptoms have improved after seeing an osteopath. Particularly for neck pain.
Common Neck Pain Conditions We Treat at MPR Health
MPR Health Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions that involve the neck, including:
- Neck Stiffness – Pain in the neck can cause stiffness, which makes it difficult to move and even turn your head. This pain can last several days or weeks and may worsen when you first wake up.
- Cervical Disc Problems – Cervical discs are the cushions between your neck vertebrae that act as shock absorbers to protect your spinal cord. These discs can become damaged from trauma, causing pain or stiffness in your neck.
- Headaches – Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of neck pain. You may experience a dull ache or sharp pain in your head, making it difficult to concentrate and perform everyday tasks.
- Migraines – Migraines are another possible symptom of neck pain. You may experience a headache on one side of your head accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity.
- Upper Back & Shoulder Stiffness Travelling to the Neck – You may feel the pain that travels from your shoulder to your neck and down into your arm. This is a common symptom of cervical disc degeneration. If you have an injury in another area of your body, it can cause neck pain by putting stress on muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Wry Neck – A wry neck is a common symptom of neck pain. It’s when one side of your head twists or turns in a different direction than the other side. You may experience this symptom if you have injured your neck or upper back muscles, such as those that support your shoulders and arms.
- Muscle Spasms – Muscle spasms are another common symptom of neck pain. Muscle spasms are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles that cause pain and tightness. You may experience muscle spasms when you have an injury or illness in another area of your body.
- Muscle Tension – Muscle tension is another common symptom of neck pain. It’s when you feel tightness in your muscles, usually in the back of your neck and shoulders. You may experience muscle tension if you spend a lot of time looking down at a computer screen or other devices such as a cell phone or tablet.
- Sports Injuries – Injuries to your neck can cause pain and stiffness. If you have a sports injury, it may be causing your pain. You may even experience muscle spasms or tension if you’ve injured your neck while playing football or soccer.
- Postural Issues – Posture can cause many problems, including neck pain. Posture is complicated, but fatigue and stationary environments can generally influence neck pain. If you slouch when sitting or standing, this could strain your neck muscles and ligaments. You may also experience headaches as well.
How many visits are required for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?
The nature and severity of your condition determine the number of visits required for neck osteopathic treatment. The osteopath will evaluate it after an initial consultation. This evaluation can vary from two to four visits to your osteopath or more. The quicker you respond to treatment, the faster the results will be. It could take longer to resolve if trauma, such as whiplash or a car accident, has caused your neck pain.
When is osteopathy used & what is its effectiveness?
Osteopathic treatment is different from traditional medicine. Instead of invasive methods for neck pain, osteopaths use a hands-on approach to reducing pain & improving mobility.
Osteopathy can treat neck pain, back pain, joint stiffness, and general muscle tension. Osteopathy is safe and effective for many people with musculoskeletal problems, such as neck or shoulder pain.
It’s also a good treatment option for people with chronic pain who are looking for a non-invasive form of care that can help reduce symptoms.
What happens when an osteopath cracks your neck?
“Cracking” or spinal manipulation of the neck is a treatment option for certain patients with neck pain. An osteopath may recommend manipulation of the neck as part of an overall treatment plan. That includes other techniques, such as massage and gentle stretching. This intervention should only be performed by a qualified osteopath or other medical providers.
The idea behind manipulating the neck is to release tension in the soft tissues of the spine and surrounding muscles. This releases pressure on nerves that branch off the spine.
What happens when an osteopath cracks your neck?
Yes, osteopathic treatment can help in the treatment of a pinched nerve in the neck. Osteopathic treatment is focused on the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment can reduce inflammation and decrease pain associated with pinched nerves in the neck. Facilitating the area to recover along with the treatment process.
An Osteopathic Approach to Treating and Relieving your Stiff Neck Pain
Osteopathic treatment is very effective in treating and relieving stiffness, pain, and soreness in the neck. Your osteopath will use a combination of techniques to alleviate inflammation or pressure in the neck. These techniques will relieve nerve irritation and help to improve mobility.
Your osteopath will also look for other conditions that may be causing your pain. These conditions could include muscle strain and tightness, injury, or inflammation. The treatment reduces symptoms you are experiencing by gently manipulating your neck.
What can you do in between osteopathy treatments to alleviate neck pain and aid recovery?
You can do many things to help relieve neck pain and discomfort.
- Look for ways to relax and reduce your stress level.
- Take care of your muscles with exercise.
- Your osteopath will also recommend a program tailored to you, including stretching exercises, hot or cold therapy, massage, and strengthening.
- Suppose the cause of your injury is posture related. Working out how to improve it will also help prevent future problems with neck pain and discomfort.
Below is a sample of neck stretches and exercises you can do to relieve neck pain. Just remember that before doing any movements and stretches, always consult with your osteopath first to ask what neck stretches and exercises apply to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for osteopathy to work?
The time it takes for osteopathy to work will depend on your situation. It could be a few weeks or months, depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Typically you will start feeling better within a few visits.
What can I expect during my osteopath's first visit?
We’ll discuss any issues you may be experiencing, including if there has been any trauma or injury. Your MPR Health osteopaths will also ask questions about your lifestyle, diet and exercise routine. Depending on your needs, we may recommend treatment that includes osteopathic manipulation.
Should I massage a pinched nerve in the neck?
The short answer is no. Massaging a pinched nerve in the neck can worsen symptoms. Instead, we recommend seeking treatment from an Osteopath. They can pinpoint the source of your pain and treat it accordingly.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing painful symptoms in your neck, getting professional treatment is important.
Our MPR Health osteopaths in North Shore, Sydney are experts in diagnosing and treating neck pain. So make an appointment today!