Neck pain / Headaches

Neck pain is quite common and often starts suddenly and gets better quickly, without the need for any treatment.

Sometimes however neck pain can be painful and persistent with recurring episodes. It may also be associated with other symptoms, such as arm pain or headaches.  The causes of neck pain vary and may come on quickly due to minor traumas from sports injuries, minor falls and motor vehicle collisions (Whiplash Associated Disorders), or gradually due to repetitive work-related / postural habits such as smartphone use, poor desk postures or knitting and sewing to name a few. Ongoing worry and stress are also well documented as contributing factors to neck complaints.

The majority of neck pain cases that we see are ‘uncomplicated’’ or ‘mechanical’ in nature which means that the pain is not related to a serious underlying condition nor nerve involvement.  Whilst current research states that we cannot always be sure of the exact tissues involved in neck pain, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, as well as joints and the natural wear and tear of our intervertebral discs as we age may all be contributing factors to how you feel.

Less frequently, nerves in the neck  and shoulder area may become compressed or irritated – this may occur due to long standing muscular tension coupled with joint stiffness building up in the area, or may be contributed to by naturally worn discs or joint wear and tear – leading to pain and / or pins and needles spreading to the shoulder, arm and / or hand,  with or without weakness.

Although neck pain can often be extremely painful, it rarely has a serious underlying cause, but it is always important to be assessed properly and to have potential red flags excluded.   Seeing a qualified health professional, such as a Chiropractor, who is experienced in diagnosing conditions of the neck and spine, can help to treat neck pain, and identify if a referral or specialist investigation is needed.  We have many years of experience in treating neck pain and headaches at Romsey Chiropractic Clinic, and are able to offer treatments that do not involve manipulation for those in whom it would not be appropriate or who prefer a non-manipulative approach.