OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF NECK PAIN

 

Most of us experience neck pain from time to time, the majority is muscular in nature easily treated by self massage, medication, ointment and rest. Persistent pain usually involves other structural issues such as joint stiffness, ligament strain and membrane tension, which is why sometimes self treatment or medication does  not work. When there is no relief from a massage it is best to see an osteopath who will determine which deeper structures require treatment. Regular massages are useful to maintain a certain level of relaxation but should not be confused with treatment which is best done by an osteopath. OPRC also offers clinical massages which work specifically on troubled muscles. These are performed more effectively by qualified physical therapists who have clinical, anatomical and physiological background.

  

Relief from Muscle Stiffness

Simple muscle strain without underlying joint stiffness recovers well from massage, stretching, heat and rest. Frequent episodes of muscle strain lead to persistent neck stiffness affecting neck rotation/turning and headaches. If after regular massages neck stiffness persists, it is likely that spinal joints are involved which is why massages only give temporary relief. Once the osteopath has located the stiff joints and released them, the muscles need a variety of treatments from trigger point therapy for muscle knots, through to muscle energy stretches for shortened muscles and strain counter strain for twisted/strained muscles. Each type of therapy is applied depending on the needs of the patient and the quickest way to recovery. For the young, elderly or  severe cases - a functional type of muscle manipulation is applied that will suit the patient's tolerance level while gentle spinal treatment avoids heavy manipulation.

 

Relief from Joint Stiffness

Joint injuries resulting in neck stiffness can be traumatic in nature e.g. a fall, sudden movements or sleeping in the wrong position too long when exhausted. However, like most injuries there are components of muscles spasms that protect the underlying joints. Osteopaths are able to feel through the muscle layers of the neck and locate which joints are strained and injured. Through manipulation, neck joints are gently moved rhythmically, stimulating the natural joint lubrication which normalizes the stiffness. The osteopath's varied techniques are suitable for all ages and most conditions, even after surgery.

 

Relief from Trapped Nerves

Symptoms ranging from sharp, shooting pain down the arm to numbness in the fingers are common symptoms of trapped nerves. This does not necessarily mean surgery is required, early treatment reduces the risk of permanent damage. The most common reason for nerve compression in middle aged people is disc damage. For the elderly there is the added factor of arthritis which also traps the nerve as it comes out the spinal canal. With osteopathic treatment, it is possible to manage trapped nerves relieving the symptoms with gentle osteopathic manipulation. For severe cases which have had surgery, osteopathic treatment can help release tension and rebalance joints reducing the scarring effects and stiffness from the operation.

Relief from Neck Spondylosis

People with neck spondylosis - degenerative changes in the bones and intervertebral discs of the neck - can experience symptoms ranging from mild stiffness to intense pain radiating into the arm and hand. Osteopaths can relieve these symptoms by using various gentle decompression and mobilization techniques. Each joint segment of the neck is released gently and naturally, providing greater neck movements and increased flexibility. The cause of spondylosis can be from poor sitting posture at work i.e computer screen at the wrong height and angle, computer mouse too far out, the office chair at the wrong height and position. Together with lack of exercise there is a gradual degeneration of the spine and discs. Osteopaths will provide posture correction advice and spinal flexibility advice to give long term relief.

Long-term Relief of Neck Pain

Osteopaths are trained to provide advice to help you improve your posture and work desk ergonomics in order to minimise the recurrence of posture-related neck pain. Specific exercises are given to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weakened ones in order to help you develop stamina in the postural muscles which are necessary to help maintain your body in optimal alignment