Neck Injury

0 Necks Rehabilitated

“Neck pain has been ranked 4th highest in terms of disability” Lancet 2016.

Over the last 10 years Elizabeth Street Physiotherapy has seen an increasing 6.2% increase in the number of Necks treated. We have found that targeting the specific neck and shoulder musculature is essential in the successful resolution of neck pain.

At a Glance.

We treat successfully

  • acute wry neck
  • disc sprains
  • muscle ligament sprains
  • osteoarthritic neck pain
  • postural sprain
  • whiplash

Injuries to the neck are becoming more common with the increased use of computers for work and recreation creating much of the strain. The increased use of Mobile Phones, iPads and Tablets also has played a large part in this increase. Just look around you in the tram, train or bus and consider the neck position most people are in and the strain that is being caused.

  • Neck pain often presents as central pain or ache but is more commonly one sided associated with neck stiffness.
  • Middle back pain often occurs with neck pain as many structures span from the head to the back such as the trapezius muscle.
  • Neck injuries often associated with headaches, jaw pain, arm pain and pins and needles, numbness and arm weakness.

If you have any of these symptoms our team at Elizabeth Street Physiotherapy can help you.

Call (03) 9670 3996 or email info@elizabethphysio.com.au

Neck pain and injuries can be categorised into:

  • Acute Traumatic Pain – occurs after a motor vehicle injury, fall from a bike or horse where sudden often violent head movements lead to pain. Whiplash is included in this category.
  • Postural Pain – occurs from prolonged or repeated positions or movements of the head, neck and upper torso. This is possibly the most common of injuries seen with the neck. Considering the weight of the head is around 5kg and that the necks circumference is on average 36% smaller than the head, the muscles, ligaments and other soft tissue connecting the head and neck are under some strain. Over time micro tearing can occur in the soft tissue leading to swelling, tightening and joint stiffness and pain.Muscular tension through stress and load contributes to a picture of episodic, cyclic pain.
  • Disc Sprain – Disc injuries of the neck are due to prolonged bending of the neck and are often associated with referred pain , numbness, pins and needles down the arm. They are often more acute , disabling episodes.
  • Strains And Sprains Pain – waking in the morning with a pain in the neck and unable to move, the so called “Crick in the Neck” is a common injury. Known as Torticollis or Wry Neck the injury is due to prolonged, abnormal strain on the soft tissue such as muscles and ligaments around the neck. Sleeping in a different bed, on a different pillow or even going to bed more stressed can cause this sprain / strain to occur.

Through our assessment we can zero in on the offending structure:

  • Releasing your tight muscles and relieving your aches and pains commonly in the large Trapezius muscle
  • Loosening stiff neck and trunk spinal joints
  • Creating easy stress relieving techniques
  • Managing , Resolving, and Preventing further episodes with specific exercise routines, guided explanations regarding your posture, onsite ergonomic assistance including pillow choices and sleeping position

For Treatment Options See:

Manipulative Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

Massage

Stress Busting Massage

Physiotherapy Pilates

Need an appointment? Call (03) 9670 3996 or email info@elizabethphysio.com.au

Mrs.C  is a 35-year-old nurse who presented with 2 days of severe right sided neck pain extending into the shoulder blade and right arm with pins and needles.

She reports;

  • Difficulty in getting to sleep and wakes 3-4 times per night.
  • Pain aggravated by turning neck especially to right.
  • Occasional spasm and dizziness.
  • Unable to work last 2 days.

On examination

  • Restricted movement, especially with turning her neck to the right
  • Thick, swollen and tender neck musculature including trapezius and levator scapulae muscles
  • Very stiff cervical intervertebral and right sided facet joints reproducing pain in neck and arm and causing dizziness.
  • Positive stretch of her nerves in her arm.

Treatment concentrating on reducing tension in the muscles around the neck and mobilising the neck vertebrae reduced her neck pain and dizziness. Adding in neural stretches and a Physiotherapy Pilates Exercise Program resolved her more persistent arm symptoms.

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