Neck Pain near Dundas, 2117

NDPE provides quality physio care for neck pain to local 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 common occurrence, with about one in 10 individuals experiencing it at any given time. This is not surprising considering the activities of modern life, which involve sitting in front of a computer, watching prolonged periods of television, and a growing prevalence of poor posture— specifically 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

The most common cause of neck pain is, by far, related to the effects of poor posture. To grasp the impact of poor posture, we must first consider why spinal alignment within the neck is so crucial.

Your head weighs about 5 kgs, and in normal alignment, it is very carefully balanced on top of your seven neck bones (vertebrae). Your muscles work very hard to maintain this position and easily withstand short periods of variation. The problem arises when we assume awkward positions for prolonged periods; the fine balance is disturbed, and the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments, and discs of your neck become strained and irritated. In fact, the tension in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles for every 2-3 cm that your head is forward! Over time, the neck strain and pressure accumulate to a point where it becomes chronic, and even the smallest changes in posture cause significant effects. Coupled with the stresses and demands of modern life, it is no surprise why neck pain is so common.

Other common causes of neck pain include whiplash, arthritis, and sporting injuries.

Treatment for Neck Pain

Fortunately, physiotherapy may be helpful for neck pain. Following a comprehensive history, orthopaedic, and neurological examination, your physiotherapist will suggest a treatment plan targeting pressure reduction, movement restoration, and prevention of recurrence. 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.