Neck pain is very common and can range from a mild ache or stiffness to more severe pain that makes it difficult to move your head comfortably. It may start suddenly, develop gradually over time, or keep returning.
At Corsham Physiotherapy, we will assess your symptoms, movement and medical history to help understand what may be contributing to your neck pain. Treatment will be tailored to you, with the initial aim of helping to relieve your symptoms before addressing any factors that may be contributing to the problem.
What causes neck pain?
There are many possible causes of neck pain. It may follow an injury, develop after spending a long time in one position, or appear without an obvious cause.
Pain can arise from the joints, muscles and other soft tissues around the neck, or be associated with age-related changes in the spine. Sometimes irritation of a nerve in the neck can cause symptoms that travel into the shoulder, arm or hand.
Some of the conditions we commonly see include:
Muscular and joint-related neck pain • Cervical spondylosis • Torticollis (wry neck) • Whiplash • Cervical radiculopathy and nerve-related pain
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and the most appropriate way forward.
Neck pain, trapped nerves and arm symptoms
Problems affecting the neck can sometimes cause symptoms elsewhere.
Irritation of a nerve in the neck can sometimes cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness extending into the shoulder, arm or hand. This is sometimes referred to as cervical radiculopathy or, more commonly, a “trapped nerve”.
There are different possible causes of these symptoms, so an assessment can help establish whether your neck may be involved and what treatment or further investigation may be appropriate.
Recurring or persistent neck pain
If your neck pain keeps returning or has been present for some time, treatment isn’t necessarily just about settling the current symptoms.
We can look at factors such as movement, strength and how your neck responds to different positions and activities. Exercise and rehabilitation may form part of your treatment, helping you gradually improve movement and strength and return more confidently to your usual activities.
Read more about exercise & rehabilitation
Whiplash & neck injuries
Neck pain can also develop following an injury or sudden movement, including whiplash following a road traffic accident.
Symptoms and recovery can vary considerably, so your physiotherapist will assess your movement and symptoms and advise on appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
How can Physiotherapy help neck pain?
Your treatment will depend on your assessment, symptoms and individual circumstances. It may include hands-on techniques such as massage, mobilisation or manipulation, alongside movement and individually tailored exercises.
Depending on your individual needs, we may also use treatments such as medical acupuncture or electrotherapy to help manage pain and symptoms.
As your symptoms improve, exercise and rehabilitation can help restore movement and strength and gradually return you to your usual activities.
If your assessment suggests that physiotherapy isn’t appropriate, or that further investigation or medical assessment may be needed, we can advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
Pilates & neck pain
Pilates can also form part of a longer-term approach to staying strong and active. Exercises can be adapted where appropriate to take account of neck problems or other injuries, both within individual sessions and our classes.
Read more about Pilates
What can I do myself if I have neck pain?
Keeping your neck gently moving and continuing with normal daily activities as much as you comfortably can is often helpful. Try to avoid remaining in one position for long periods and gradually increase movement as your symptoms allow.
Some people find heat or a cold pack helpful for temporary symptom relief. If your pain is severe, worsening, or you are concerned about other symptoms, seek medical advice.
Book an appointment for neck pain
Whether your neck pain has just started, keeps returning or has been troubling you for some time, our physiotherapists can assess your symptoms and help you decide on the most appropriate way forward.
Please either contact our reception or book online to make an appointment.