Cervical neck pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can range from a mild discomfort to a sharp, debilitating pain that hinders daily activities. This guide explores the causes, symptoms, and how physiotherapy at FLEXITUDE can help you find relief.

Causes of Neck Pain

• Poor Posture: Slouching or hunching over for long periods strains the neck muscles, leading to pain.
• Muscle Strain/Sprain: Overuse or sudden movements can strain or sprain neck ligaments and muscles, causing pain and stiffness.
• Injuries: Trauma from accidents can damage the neck, resulting in pain.
• Disc Herniation/Bulging: Damaged discs in the cervical spine press on nerves, causing pain.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Discs in the cervical spine can degenerate over time, causing pain and stiffness.
• Osteoarthritis: Arthritis in the cervical spine can lead to pain and stiffness.
• Pinched Nerves: Compressed nerves in the neck can cause pain, numbness, or tingling.
• Infections (Rare): Infections like meningitis or osteomyelitis can cause neck pain.
• Tumors (Rare): In rare cases, tumors in the neck or cervical spine can cause pain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain: Dull aches to sharp, stabbing pain, localized or spread throughout the neck and upper back.
• Stiffness: Difficulty turning the head or moving the neck freely.
• Limited Range of Motion: Inability to perform everyday activities due to neck stiffness.
• Headaches: Neck pain can trigger headaches, especially at the base of the skull or behind the eyes.
• Numbness/Tingling: Compressed nerves can cause numbness or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.
• Weakness: In some cases, neck pain can cause weakness in the arms or hands.
• Swelling/Bruising (Injuries): Injuries may cause swelling or bruising around the neck.
• Sleeping Difficulty: Pain can make it difficult to get comfortable and sleep soundly.

Diagnosis at FLEXITUDE

Our physiotherapists diagnose neck pain through a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Medical History Discussion: We discuss your symptoms, their onset, and what worsens or improves them. We also inquire about past injuries or medical conditions that might contribute.
• Physical Examination: We assess your neck, shoulders, and upper back for inflammation, muscle tension, or nerve compression. We also check your range of motion, strength, and reflexes.
• Imaging Tests (if needed):X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be recommended to diagnose the underlying cause.
• Functional Assessment: We assess your ability to perform daily activities to identify any limitations contributing to your pain.

Treatment Options for Neck Pain

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your pain. Here's an overview of common options:

• Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: A customized exercise and stretching program by a physiotherapist can help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles.
• Heat/Ice Therapy: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help reduce pain #physiotherapynearme #flexitude #physiotherapy