Osteopathy and Neck Pain.
Approximately 65% of patients at the Osteopathic clinic, in Croydon, present symptoms related to neck pain, shoulder pain or scapular pain. The number of instances has increased over the last few years, possibly due to the increase in mobile phone and tablet use. We are regularly stooped over our desks, bent over a computer or driving long distances. This can all have an impact on the neck and upper-back.
In many cases the neck is prevented from moving freely, resulting in a trapped nerve in the neck or in the neck muscles becoming ‘hypertonic’, meaning they are abnormally tight which effects both movement and causes pain. This pain can then cause symptoms in other areas of the body, such as headaches, migraines or stiffness in the arm and shoulders.
How can an Osteopath help?
Osteopaths can use a wide range of gentle techniques to reduce the muscular tension in the neck and increase movement in the joints of the neck and upper-back. A popular method is to gently massage the soft tissues in the joints to release tension, or to gently manipulate the neck to get joints moving.
Sometimes we need to treat other areas of the back and shoulders as well as the neck.
We will give you advice on how to maintain good posture at work or in the car and advise on exercises/stretching to help your neck and upper back muscles and joints become relaxed.
If the condition is serious, we can refer you for a scan or X-ray or to your GP for further investigations.
The Benefits of seeing an Osteopath
The main benefits are to stop symptoms recurring and to restore balance. Osteopathy treatment not only reduces pain but also helps improve natural movement, posture and helps increase the blood flow to the affected areas. This helps to prevent stiffness from recurring.
What exercises can I do to prevent neck pain.
We regularly recommend the foam roller at the clinic as it is so versatile and a device you can use at home to help prevent symptoms recurring.
Heres are a simple exercises you can do at home or in the workplace:
Exercise 1 - Good for improving your posture.
This exercise eradicates the effects of gravity and adds more stability to increase mobility. It’s not mentioned in this video but I would also include a small pilates if possible.
Place the foam roller in a vertical position and lie on the full length of it. Ensure your spine is in a neutral position. Extend throughout the length of the spine. The chin should be down. Breathe out sideways into the ribs (using the diaphragm) five times.
We also have a number or exercises that cover challenging rotation and improving balance and stability.
What Patients think:
“ I've been treated by Paul for over 20 years.
He has proved to be an expert in diagnosing and fixing my neck, upper back and shoulder problems.
Paul has given me lots of help in addressing postural issues caused by my computer-based job.
Paul convinced me to try Clinical Pilates.
He and Martine have developed a tailor-made programme for me which has produced very good results.
Martine is a very patient and observant instructor. She gives me lots of encouragement and guidance.
She has a great sense of humour and I really enjoy our one-to-one sessions.
The practice is well-organised and efficiently run.
The facilities and equipment at the practice are excellent and well-maintained.
I have found all the staff at the practice to be professional and very welcoming.”
By Sarah H
If you are suffering with neck pain symptoms, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Osteopathy team.