Why neck pain and headaches start
Not all headaches come from the neck joints, but it is a very common cause. Most neck pain, although often very painful, comes from the joints, muscles and ligaments around the spine rather than from nerves or discs, which is why it can usually be treated very effectively.
- Poor posture, especially rounded shoulders
- Lots of desk or computer work
- High stress levels
- Lots of driving
- Unnatural postures held for long periods (tradespeople such as plumbers, joiners and decorators)
- Arts and crafts or lots of reading
Wear and tear
As we age our joints become less healthy, you may have heard the terms arthritis, degeneration or "wear and tear". That can make biomechanical pain more likely, but even where pain is linked to bony changes you can still benefit greatly. If treatment reduces your symptoms rather than removing them completely, your quality of life can still be improved.
How we treat it
Treatment is massage and manipulation or mobilisation of the neck joints (where appropriate), plus ergonomic advice and sometimes stretches to do at home. Once symptoms have reduced or gone, maintenance treatment may be discussed to stop them returning, your lifestyle is a big factor, particularly a desk job, high stress or a lot of driving.
Common questions
Is neck manipulation safe?
Treatment is only ever done to your tolerance and you can opt out of any technique. Amy takes a full history and does an orthopaedic and neurological examination first, and there are alternatives such as soft tissue work and dry needling.
Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
Where headaches are coming from the neck joints and muscles, yes. Not all headaches have that cause, and Amy will tell you honestly if she thinks yours is something else.