A pain in the neck

Next to treating low back pain, the neck is a common source of pain and frustration. I deal with all kinds of neck issues, those that are just a pain or strain, headaches, dizziness and limited function, like turning or looking up.

Neck pain can be disabling, making work, sport or sleep very difficult or impossible. So what do you do? The most common first reaction from my clients are pain killers, hoping it will go away by itself. In instances of minor strains, that may work. Unfortunately, as we get a little older, it usually doesn't.

Like with other joint pains, muscle spasm is usually secondary to the primary joint problem. There are many small joints in the neck, and one of the common causes of pain is inflammation of these cervical joints, either caused by injury/strain or degeneration/arthritis.

So what is my advice if you have neck pain?

• If you have been in an accident or had a trauma, any symptoms down your arms, have dizziness, nausea or a un-abating headache see a doctor or physio as soon as possible.

• With no swelling or redness or other symptoms, you can apply heat - this is one of the best self treatments and often forgotten. Pain medication can be helpful, but do so with guidance of a pharmacist and responsibly

• As long as you have no other symptoms, I would see if it settles in a few days

  • don't pull on your neck or stretch without guidance

  • don't sit slumped (like working on a laptop) for long periods

  • keep moving, regularly get up and move your neck gently as well as you chest and arms, often other areas become painful or stiff because of prolong bracing or stiffening

  • Gently tucking in your chin and elongating you neck (growing taller) can be very helpful, this is a safe movement, not looking down, but rather more similar to elongation the back of you neck GENTLY (similar to making a "double chin")

  • If after a few days the pain has not abated, I suggest seeing a Physiotherapist

What does a Physiotherapist do in this situation?

• They should assess for the cause of the pain and explain to you what is wrong

• A Physio or Dr may send you for an x-ray if it will aid diagnosis or treatment, this does not always need to be concerning, and usually just a diagnostic aid

• Treatment should be aimed at the cause and the symptoms, pain can often be caused as a secondary response. A joint will need to be mobilized, a nerve may need to be un trapped and mobilized, muscles will likely need to be treated symptomatically

• you must report any symptoms that increase in treatment and this will need to be assessed, treatment may be uncomfortable at times, but increased pain and other symptoms are not typically expected or helpful

• Exercises may be helpful, certainly education and advice on you ergonomics, recreation and work, pause exercises as needed.

Managing a painful neck can be complicated. When it is a little more severe and other symptoms are present, it may take a little longer, but the odds of a full recovery are good. I usually find that the sooner you have it managed or treated, the better with less complications and the need for less treatment. Leaving a sore neck for weeks and months can lead to more complications and increased expense, so it is best to have it seen sooner.