Neck Pain

The neck is the spinal structure that supports the head. It is the least protected structure compared to the rest of the spine. Due to its anatomical structure, the neck is highly vulnerable to injury and from conditions that produce pain and restriction of motion.

Symptoms:

Pain in turning your head, looking up or looking down.
Limited range of motion of the neck.
Stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles.

Causes:

Postural strain
Severe blow or fall.
Car accident
Heavy lifting.
Sleeping without good neck support/sleeping on your stomach
Turning over while you are asleep. Then waking up with a “stiff neck.”
Degenerated/ ruptured cervical disc.
Nerve dysfunction.
Osteoporosis, tumors.
Spondylosis (hardening and stiffening of the spinal column).
Congenital problem.
Biomechanical causes
Muscle strain
Worn-out cervical joints.

Physiotherapy provides several benefits in relieving neck pain.

It can help maintain the strength of the neck muscles
It also helps improve the flexibility of the neck muscles
It help improve the circulation and range of motion of the neck

Physiotherapy involves a variety of approaches in managing neck pain:

Massage
Manipulation
Hot or cold compresses
Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
Neck exercises
Stretching exercises
Joint mobilization.
Correction of poor posture
Pacing technique
Trunk segmental mobilization
Strengthening of the deep flexor muscles of the cervical spine.