Neck Pain near Blenheim Road, 2113

NDPE provides quality physio care for neck pain to residents in West Ryde and surrounding areas including Eastwood, Denistone, Marsfield, Epping, Ryde, Meadowbank, Melrose Park, Dundas Valley, Telopea, Putney, Carlingford, and Ermington.

About Neck Pain

If you are one of the many Australians that suffer from neck pain, you will be pleased to know that our physiotherapy approach may offer the solution you have been searching for.

Neck pain is a widespread issue, with about one in 10 people affected by it at any given time. This is hardly surprising considering the activities of modern life, such as sitting in front of a computer, prolonged television watching, and a growing prevalence of poor posture— especially forward head posture.

Problems within the neck can also cause headache, shoulder pain, TMJ or jaw pain, pins and needles in the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, and upper back pain. We encourage you to contact us for a thorough assessment with one of our physiotherapists if you regularly experience any of the following:

• Persistent neck ache first thing in the morning
• Neck stiffness when reversing in the car
• Clicking neck noise when turning
• Constant aching neck muscles
• Tingling in your hands or fingers

Causes of Neck Pain

By far the most common cause of neck pain relates to the effects of poor posture. To understand the impact of poor posture, we must first consider why spinal alignment within the neck is so important.

Your head weighs about 5 kg, and in normal alignment, it is very carefully balanced on top of your seven neck bones (vertebrae). Your muscles work tirelessly to maintain this position and can handle short variations without issue. However, the problem arises when we assume awkward positions for prolonged periods, disrupting the delicate balance and leading to strain and irritation in the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments, and discs of your neck. In fact, the tension in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles for every 2-3 cm that your head is forward! Over time, this strain and pressure in the neck may build up, becoming chronic, and even minor changes in posture may have significant effects. With the added stresses and demands of modern life, it is no surprise that neck pain is such a common complaint.

Neck pain may arise due to other frequent reasons, such as whiplash, arthritis, and sporting injuries.

Treatment for Neck Pain

Physiotherapy offers a possible solution for neck pain, proving highly useful. After conducting a thorough history, orthopaedic, and neurological examination, your physiotherapist will devise a treatment plan designed to alleviate pressure, restore movement, and prevent future occurrences. Typically, your physiotherapist will recommend the following:

• Postural advice and how to avoid further strain
• A series of spinal mobilisations to restore proper movement to the neck vertebrae
• Massage to tight neck muscles
• Neck exercises to encourage improved movement
• Neck strengthening exercises
• Heat/ice therapy to manage your neck pain
• Recommend a contoured pillow to provide correct support while sleeping

No-one should endure ongoing pain and inconvenience. Life is too short. Contact us now to make an appointment or call 02 9874 8410.