About Neck Pain
Pain across the broader region of the neck, head, and upper back at the level of the shoulder is the hallmark of neck pain, also referred to as Cervical Syndrome. It encompasses a range of conditions, or situations that produce various symptoms in the area. Assessment by an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist is essential so that the appropriate interventions can be made to benefit the patient, since every patient is a unique case.
The Symptoms of Neck Pain
Depending on the individual case, the broader symptoms we may encounter with neck pain are:
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Muscle spasms
• Referred pain — pain that radiates
• Pain in the joints of the neck
• Neuropathic pain
• Restricted neck mobility
• Deterioration in the patient's quality of life
Factors that Predispose to Neck Pain
A predisposition to developing neck pain is caused by:
• Excessive loads on the muscles. Sitting for many hours loads the neck muscles beyond their capacity, triggering symptoms
• Weak muscles. Muscles that have not been strengthened sufficiently to handle the daily load they are subjected to
• Wear of the neck joints, which is normal beyond a certain age
• Pressure on nerves — due to disc herniation, osteophytes, or muscle spasms
• Injuries — following an accident
• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and others
• A demanding professional environment
• Smoking
• A history of low back pain
Differential Assessment
Assessment by an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist is required, including taking a medical history, clinical examination, and clinical tests, in order to investigate the type and causes of neck pain, which fall into:
• Neck pain with mobility deficits
• Neck pain with coordination deficits
• Neck pain with headaches
• Neck pain due to radiculopathy
• Serious illness — referred to a Physician
What Happens if Neck Pain is Left Untreated
If it is not addressed appropriately, it leads to a chronic condition with symptoms such as:
• Chronic pain
• Worsening of symptoms
• Muscle weakness
• Functional limitations
• Deterioration in quality of life
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is essential for managing neck pain. First, acute pain is treated with orthopaedic manual therapy and electrotherapy, which deliver immediate results, and then a tailored programme of structured exercise strengthens the muscles, corrects posture, and protects against future recurrences. The interventions applied are:
A programme of structured exercise for neck pain includes:
• Strengthening of the shoulder muscles
• Strengthening of the deep neck flexors
• Breathing exercises
• Proprioception exercises
Schedule Your Appointment
Verified user
He examined my neck thoroughly and was very detailed, explaining what I was dealing with. He truly understood how much this pain affects my daily life. He helped me effectively — I trust him completely.
Verified user
He dedicated a lot of time to the neck pain that had been troubling me for a long time. I'm already much better just one day later. I'll continue the treatments — he is an outstanding professional with extensive knowledge. I recommend him without reservation.
Giota S.
He knows his field very well, spent a great deal of time on my problem, and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!
How Can I Prevent Neck Pain
Preventing neck pain requires a monthly programme that includes:
• Orthopaedic manual therapy
• A programme of structured exercise
More advice on prevention and self-management for patients can be found at the links below:
• Recommendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recommendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recommendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recommendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recommendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
What is the Cost of Treatment
The cost of treatment is not high. Usually 6 sessions are needed, in which the treatment programme is adapted each time to the patient's current condition. Once symptoms have subsided, a programme of structured exercise is introduced that prevents any recurrences. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so that they can follow it on their own, but there is also the option of online supervision at low cost. The patient has the ongoing support and communication they need with the Physiotherapist in order to overcome any difficulties.
To treat neck pain, call PhysioDanali today for expert advice from the Physiotherapist!
•
Blanpied PR, Gross AR, Elliott JM, Devaney LL, Clewley D, Walton DM, Sparks C, Robertson EK. Neck Pain: Revision 2017. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Jul;47(7):A1-A83. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.0302. PMID: 28666405.
•
Petersen SM, Wyatt SN. Lower trapezius muscle strength in individuals with unilateral neck pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011 Apr;41(4):260-5. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2011.3503. Epub 2011 Feb 2. PMID: 21289453.
•
Corp N, Mansell G, Stynes S, Wynne-Jones G, Morsø L, Hill JC, van der Windt DA. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of guidelines. Eur J Pain. 2021 Feb;25(2):275-295. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1679. Epub 2020 Nov 12. PMID: 33064878; PMCID: PMC7839780.
•
Kopkow C, Freiberg A, Kirschner S, Seidler A, Schmitt J. Physical examination tests for the diagnosis of posterior cruciate ligament rupture: a systematic review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Nov;43(11):804-13. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2013.4906. Epub 2013 Oct 11. PMID: 24175598.
• www.physio-pedia.com