Best Ways to Get Rid of Neck Pain with City Physio

This advice is general and does not equate to specific individual professional advice. We recommend a consultation with a healthcare professional, who can assess your overall health before you start any type of treatment. 

Why do I have neck pain? 

Your neck consists of more than twenty distinct muscles extending from the base of your jaw down to your shoulders and collarbones. These muscles work together to support and stabilise your head, neck, and upper part of your spine, as well as help while also facilitating various head movements and aiding in chewing, swallowing, and breathing. 

Your neck muscles are constantly activated, and neck pain can occur from the simplest of everyday activities. Neck pain could also be a sign of something more serious such as a neck injury, shoulder injury or upper back injury. Often, determining the cause of neck pain can be difficult as many factors can affect its ability to function. 

Neck pain and injuries can significantly limit your ability to perform daily tasks and below are some common activities often associated with causing neck pain. 

• Sitting at a computer for extended periods. This is a common cause of pain for office workers as neck muscles become overused when the head is tilted down. An ergonomic desk setup is important to limit neck pain at work.
• Poor posture. Similar to office work, poor posture often results in neck pain due to an overuse of the neck muscles. You can read some of our tips on how to improve your posture. 
• Sleep position. Some sleep positions can cause strain and put pressure on your neck causing excessive muscular tension resulting in neck pain.
• Exercise. Lifting weights with incorrect form or performing overhead movements with a weight that is too heavy can cause muscle tension in your shoulders and upper back, resulting in neck pains. Sports with repetitive neck movement can also cause pain.
• Ageing. As you get older, the cartilage in between your bones slowly becomes worn out adding more pressure on the top of your spine, which can lead to inflammation and neck pain. 

Other causes for neck pains that could be a part of a larger or more serious injury include:

• Arthritis includes swelling and discomfort and pain in your joints.
• Neck strain or sprain, which can be caused by repetitive actions over a prolonged period where muscular tension is present. Activities could include exercise, sleep position, and looking down at electronic devices. 
• Soft tissue injury, which can occur from whiplash, most commonly from motor vehicle accidents and rarely from sports 
• Muscle weakness, which occurs over time with inactivity of some muscles required to support your head, upper body and neck
• Nerve or disc irritation, which can occur either from an injury, from repetitive overuse or from anatomical structures adding additional stress onto them

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Symptoms of neck pain can include: 

• Soreness and pain in the neck and surrounding muscles
• Frequent headaches and migraines
• Muscular tightness or spasms in the neck
• Limited head mobility

Stiff necks can present themselves in many ways. Read more about the symptoms that stiff necks can cause that you might not be aware are linked to your neck pain. 

An assessment from a physiotherapist at City Physio can help with the management and treatment of your neck pain. Our physios work with you to ask questions, learn more about your daily activities, and the severity of the neck pain, to determine the cause and help to provide you with the appropriate treatment plan. 

How to Treat Neck Pain with City Physio 

Please note that this advice is general. We recommend that you seek advice from a City Physio physiotherapist before you commence any treatment for your neck pain. 

Most neck pain should disappear within a couple of days, however, if pain persists or even intensifies, our physiotherapists at City Physio are here to help. Our physiotherapists offer individualised rehab programs to help you get back to feeling your best. With neck exercises, stretches, joint mobilisation, and even soft tissue massages or dry needling, we will work alongside you to create a treatment plan to mitigate existing pain and relieve pain in the future. 

Physio Treatments for Neck Pain 

The treatment for your neck pain will depend on the type of pain or injury. 

At City Physio, we will assess you and devise an individually tailored treatment plan that will get to the root of your neck pain. Commonly, our physiotherapy programs for neck treatment will include a combination of manual therapy such as massages, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

Massage 

A remedial massage involves the manipulation of soft tissue around the neck, increasing blood circulation, which reduces muscle tension, and ultimately relieves pain. Read more about the benefits remedial massages offer here. 

Dry Needling 

Dry needling can be an effective method of reducing pain and inflammation in the neck and shoulders. Our physios at City Physiotherapy are more than equipped to conduct dry needling for you if you are experiencing neck or shoulder pain. Our knowledge and ongoing education in clinical dry needling are of the highest standard, meeting AHPRA requirements. 

Your top 5 questions about dry needling are answered in this blog. 

Stretching 

Stretching your neck can be a great way to improve neck flexibility and function, relieving soreness, pain, and stiffness. After an assessment, your physical therapist can create a stretching program specific to your neck pain, so you can get relief in no time. 

Other treatment 

Your physio may also suggest that you take part in other treatments for pain reduction, including using a heat pack, using a comfortable and supportive pillow, trying to change your sleep position as well as using ergonomic equipment at your workplace or home. 

Contact City Physio Today 

If you are experiencing neck pain, a stiff neck, or have recently suffered from a neck injury, it is important to see a physiotherapist and seek advice. Here at City Physio, Adelaide, we are committed to helping you be the best version of yourself. 

We can assess you to determine the source of your pain, the best treatments for you, and how to prevent neck pain. We have a strong history of helping our patients eliminate and manage their neck pain so they can get on with doing what they want and need to do.

Come and experience why our patients get the results they do. 

Book online today for an assessment of your neck pain from one of our physiotherapists. Start your journey to recovery and wellness with City Physiotherapy Adelaide. 

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