Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment from a bodywork therapist. Pain in the neck and shoulders can be quite debilitating, leading to poor concentration, fatigue and irritability. If left untreated, neck complaints can lead to long-lasting problems. When aches and pains in your neck and shoulders builds up, headaches and arm or hand pain can result.
Stiffness, reduced movement and tenderness to touch are signals that your neck isn’t functioning at its best. Depending on the nature of your problem, neck problems may also cause sharp, stabbing pains or tingling and numbness in your neck, shoulder, arm, hand or head. When combined with other symptoms, neck pain can indicate that immediate medical attention is needed.
Repetitive strain (especially caused by working at a computer or staring at a phone or tablet for long periods) is often the cause of neck issues. Postural dysfunction, muscle tension, joint immobility or disc problems are all common causes of neck and shoulder pain.
Goals of Treatment
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Decreased inflammation
- Improved range of motion
- Improved flexibility
- Increased muscle tone and strength
These outcomes can be achieved in different ways for different people, and the most effective treatment depends upon the cause of your specific condition.
Methods for treating Neck Pain
For neck pain, we usually recommend you start with Chiropractic care, Remedial Massage or Acupuncture . These can all be great ways to manage and relieve swelling and pain caused by neck and shouder injury and dysfunction. Each aims to diagnose and address the underlying cause of your pain rather than just the symptoms. All are relatively safe, non-invasive and an effective alternative to medications, which merely mask pain and can slow recovery time. Through these types of treatment, we restore your movement and comfort and gain long-lasting improvements.
If you’re looking for more information to decide on what treatment is best for you, this handy guide outlines the differences between the major forms of musculoskeletal therapy.
Five popular therapies for treating musculoskeletal pain
If you’re unsure of what to choose and would like to chat to a practitioner, give us a call. We can arrange a brief chat over the phone to gather some more information and point you in the direction of recovery. Be assured that with many different practitioners under one roof, we can help you get the most suitable treatment for your case right away.
Depending on your condition, co-management of your case by two practitioners (for example, a Chiropractor and Remedial Massage therapist) may be recommended. We will work with you to help you make informed decisions to get you back to optimal health.