Neck pain treatment London: Neck pain, what causes it and how to relieve it
Neck pain: understanding it and how to treat it
What is neck pain?
Most individuals have experienced neck pain at least once in their lifetime. After experiencing neck pain or issues once, the likelihood of experiencing a similar flare-up or episode significantly increases.
Neck pain often has a complex underlying cause, distinct from issues affecting other joints and the spine. This indicates that various factors, including emotional well-being, stress levels, occupation, sleep quality, posture, and others, can contribute to or influence the health of our neck.
What causes neck pain
Most instances of neck pain are classified as non-specific, indicating that there is no specific underlying condition causing the discomfort. However, specific conditions leading to neck pain may include spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal), meningitis (inflammation of the meninges), and whiplash (sudden neck trauma resulting from events like a car accident).
Non-specific neck pain may entail experiencing pain in the neck that extends towards the head, shoulders, or upper back. Additionally, the pain may, in certain instances, radiate to one or both arms.
Non-specific neck discomfort may result from a variety of factors such as muscle tension, jaw issues, prolonged desk work, and extended periods of looking down at our phones. Emotional stress significantly influences neck and spinal issues, with feelings of being overwhelmed, insecure, or managing excessive responsibilities often linked to emotionally-driven neck pain.
When should I get my neck pain looked at:
When dealing with non-specific neck pain, it is essential to seek treatment and targeted exercises from a skilled musculoskeletal professional, like an osteopath or physiotherapist. These professionals have the expertise to accurately discern and diagnose your condition and develop a comprehensive treatment and management strategy aimed at facilitating your recovery and improving your overall well-being.
In certain uncommon instances, neck pain may be attributable to specific, more severe conditions. Such cases typically manifest alongside additional symptoms and may not always result in pain being felt. One such condition, known as cervical myelopathy, arises when the spinal cord becomes compressed at the level of the neck. This compression gives rise to neurological symptoms affecting the arms and legs. The progression of these symptoms may be gradual, yet they can also exhibit rapid fluctuations. Indications of cervical myelopathy encompass diminished finger dexterity, tingling sensations, and weakness or numbness in either or both arms, either or both legs, or all four extremities, along with challenges in walking or loss of coordination.
If you are currently experiencing these symptoms or have recently had neck pain along with a fever, fatigue, weight loss, and a general feeling of being unwell, it is important to seek urgent medical attention at the nearest Accident & Emergency department.
How to relieve neck pain yourself:
Neck pain may stem from muscle tightness, poor posture, or stress and emotions. Fortunately, there are various tools available to aid in the treatment and alleviation of neck pain within the comfort of your home.
Regular physical activity and maintaining an active lifestyle are beneficial for managing neck or spinal discomfort. In particular, incorporating stretching exercises can effectively alleviate neck pain. One beneficial stretch involves reaching one hand overhead and gently bending the neck to the side to stretch the muscles. This exercise can help decrease muscle tension. Performing this stretch several times on each side and holding for 20 seconds can contribute to improved mobility and decreased tension.
Meditation and yoga serve as effective methods for reducing stress and regulating emotions. As noted earlier, heightened stress and emotional states can influence our pain threshold and our capacity for recovery and daily functioning.
The food and beverages you consume play a significant role in influencing the levels of pain and inflammation in your body. It is well-established that adopting a healthier lifestyle can effectively reduce the likelihood of experiencing chronic neck pain. Embracing this lifestyle involves various factors, such as engaging in regular physical activity, moderating alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and maintaining a balanced diet. Furthermore, incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet can offer additional benefits. For example, adding turmeric and ginger to your meals can help reduce bodily inflammation, while avoiding processed foods and refined sugar can further contribute to this effect.
As part of self-care and management, it's crucial to comprehend the source of the discomfort, along with methods to manage and prevent its recurrence. Musculoskeletal specialists like physiotherapists or osteopaths are equipped to address both acute and chronic neck pain.
We hope this blog was useful to you. If you suffer from neck pain don’t hesitate to contact us and book an appointment at The Highbury Osteopathy Clinic. We provide neck pain treatment London and we are based near Higbury and Islington station. Find us here.
References:
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/neck-pain-non-specific/
https://www.tims.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1.7-TIMS-Myelopathy.pdf
