Physiotherapy And Acute Neck Pain

Physiotherapy And Acute Neck Pain

Acute neck pain includes localised pain anywhere from the base of the skull to the back of the neck, and to the upper regions of the shoulder. Acute neck pain is usually present for less than a duration of six weeks, and the intensity and severity of pain can range from mild to moderate.

Causes:

  • gradual onset of pain (eg. manual jobs with repetitive overhead tasks and/ or lifting, and office workers with awkward or poor sitting postures)
  • unfamiliar activity (eg. inappropriate technique and load during exercise)
  • specific incident (eg. awkward sleeping position)

Symptoms:

  • an ache when the head is at rest
  • tenderness in the neck
  • reduce neck range of movement due to stiffness
  • sharp pain with certain neck movements such as looking up or turning
  • neck muscle tightness and spasms
  • headaches
  • pins and needles and numbness along the arms

Assessment: 

Your physiotherapist can determine the cause for the pain and how it affects the joint movement and muscles of your neck through a comprehensive clinical examination. 

Treatment: 

Physiotherapy can assist to help alleviate neck pain and restore normal neck function through some of the following treatments (depending on each individual): education, manual therapy, postural retraining, exercise prescription and equipment.

NECK STRETCH EXERCISE:

Step 1: Stand upright 

Step 2: Bring your chin forward to create a double chin

Step 3: Gently tense your neck muscles and hold for 30 seconds

Step 4: Slowly return your head back to the resting position

Get in Touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy

If you believe that you have suffered an injury, or are experiencing some of the symptoms that we have set out here, don’t hesitate to Get in Touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy today.