Neck

⦁ Pain around the neck -Mild pain/ache (with activities) to extreme pain (limiting mobility)
⦁ Sharp pain to dull ache -shoulder blades and neck
⦁ Centralized or one sided neck pain radiating down the arm or chest
⦁ Numbness, pins and needles down the arm
⦁ Weakness of the arm
⦁ Difficulty lying down due to pain
⦁ Stiffness of neck or difficulty holding the neck in one position
⦁ Headaches or dizziness

Causes

⦁ Poor Posture from Muscle imbalance or Weakness
⦁ Muscle or ligament strains from a sports injury
⦁ Disc herniation or prolapse
⦁ Arthritis , facet joint wear n tear
⦁ Whiplash injury
⦁ Muscle tightness
⦁ Breathing disorders

Physiotherapy

⦁ Education on posture and ergonomics at home n work
⦁ Manual therapy and mobilisations
⦁ Decompression therapy targeting disc herniation or prolapsed disc
⦁ Stretching and mobility exercises
⦁ Pain management with cold laser, ultrasound, electrotherapy, short wave diathermy
⦁ SCORES – Spinal Core Stability Program for muscle strengthening and diaphragmatic breathing control

Scores

Though the neck pain may usually go away in 4 to 6 weeks, the deep stabilizing muscles along the spinal vertebrae remains impaired. Clinical research has shown that after pain, these deep muscles are not activated as much as they should be and the activity of the superficial muscles is often increased affecting the stability between the vertebrae and predisposes re-injury of the neck.
⦁ Core Stabilization involves activating the deep upper cervical/neck muscles. With better core stability, recurrence of neck pain is reduced.
⦁ Exercises with the use of Achievo Core Stability trainer, assists the effective activation of these muscles.
⦁ Please see our SCORES brochure for more information on this.

Our Tips

⦁ Posture: Think tall; chest lifted, shoulders relaxed, chin tucked in and head level. Your neck should be straight and relaxed. Observe your posture in standing and sitting position.
⦁ Sleeping: Use a good pillow that supports your neck well. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
⦁ Work: Avoid working with your head down or on one side for long periods. Frequently stretch and change position.