About Neck & Shoulder Pain
If you have ever experienced neck or shoulder pain, you will know how it can disrupt everyday activities. Pain in these areas is usually caused by damage to the soft tissues – the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Neck pain and sometimes shoulder pain, can also be caused when the neck joints become irritated.
There are seven vertebrae in the neck (the cervical vertebrae), these bony building blocks of the spine are separated by discs and the nerves in the neck run alongside them. As we get older changes in the structure of the neck can occur causing stiffness, restricted movement and in some cases, pinched nerves.
A trauma such as whiplash or a sports injury may also cause structural damage. In diagnosing the cause of neck or shoulder pain it is important to review the history of the symptoms. An osteopath will take note of any past injury and the location, intensity, duration and radiation of the pain.
Positions or motions that relieve or aggravate the pain are also noted. The neck is examined at rest and in motion and an examination of the nervous system is performed to determine whether or not nerve involvement is present.
Have I got a trapped nerve?
Trapped nerves can cause a great deal of discomfort. Typically they can cause pain in the shoulder, arm and upper back. In some cases tingling or numbness can be felt in the hand and your arm can feel weak. Usually, nerve irritation is caused by muscular tightness either directly compressing a nerve, or altering the position of other structures to compress a nerve. Occasionally, nerve root irritation can be caused by disc bulges, which is one of the things that your Osteopath will test for during examination.
Can neck & shoulder pain cause headaches?
Headaches are very common with neck problems and are usually easily resolved. However it is important to ascertain the exact cause of the headache. Your Osteopath will take a very detailed medical history and undertake specific tests to ensure that neck problems are the cause of your symptoms. If your Osteopath feels that your headache is unrelated to your neck pain you will be referred to your GP for further consultation.
Can I improve and maintain movement in my neck?
Many people visit our clinic when they are having trouble moving their neck, particularly when driving, e.g. when reversing or turning their head at junctions. In the vast majority of cases osteopathic treatment will improve movement and flexibility.
