Neck pain and headaches

This section covers pain in any of the following areas:

• The upper or lower neck
• The upper trapezius region
• The shoulder blades (or between them)
• Headaches
• Pain down the arms

Neck pain is a common problem, and one which is treated very successfully by chiropractic care. In fact a recent study showed chiropractic to be more cost effective than conventional medicine and physiotherapy at treating neck pain (Click here for link to research article). The onset and symptoms can vary from person to person and headaches may also be present. Not all headaches are caused by issues with the neck joints, but it is a very common cause.

So why do we get neck pain and headaches in the first place?

Well, there are many predisposing factors, here are the most common:

• Poor posture, especially rounded shoulders. This could be from desk/computer work, driving, arts and crafts or reading.
• Lots of desk or computer work
• High stress levels
• Lots of driving
• Unnatural postures. Tradespeople such as plumbers, joiners and decorators may find themselves in unnatural postures for long periods of time.
• Lots of arts and crafts or reading

Most neck pain, although often very painful, originates from a biomechanical cause (ie not involving nerves or intervertebral discs). This means the pain is coming from joints, muscles and or ligaments surrounding the spine, and can usually be treated very effectively by a chiropractor.

Unfortunately, as we age our joints may become more worn out. You may have heard the terms “wear and tear”, “arthritis” or “degeneration”. All that this means is that the joints aren’t as healthy as they once were, (nothing lasts forever!). This may increase the likelihood of biomechanical pain and sometimes even nerve entrapment.

Regardless of the symptoms or the cause, help is at hand. Even if pain is due to bony changes, you could still benefit greatly from chiropractic care. If the treatment reduces the symptoms rather than completely diminishes them, your quality of life can be improved.

The treatment itself will consist of massage and manipulation or mobilisation of the neck joints (where appropriate). You will also be given ergonomic advice and sometimes stretches to perform at home. Once the symptoms have either reduced or disappeared completely, maintenance treatment may be necessary to prevent reoccurrence. This can be discussed once we reach this stage. Again, your lifestyle is a huge factor in predisposing you to future episodes. If you have a desk job, high stress levels or do a lot of driving, you increase the chance of the pain returning.

Call us on 07956623852, email: admin@twchiro.co.uk or use our contact form to arrange an appointment today.