Neck pain is becoming increasingly common as we have more sedentary lifestyles. It can be caused by direct trauma such as a car accident [whiplash], arthritic changes as we age and postural strains from sitting incorrectly. Pain from the neck can radiate into the arms and head, it can also cause numbness and tingling.

What can be done?

Physiotherapy will involve a detiled history taking to try and determine predisposing and causative factors. An assessment of neck movement, upperlimb movement and muscle strenght will then be done. Posture will be observed and analysed.

Bases on assessment findings a treatment plan will be made. This may involve postural re-education,ergonomic advise, mobilisation of stiff joints, stretching of tight muscles, exercises, electrotherapy [ to optimise the healing process and relieve pain] and biofeedback to assist in retraining weak muscles.