Neck pain Physiotherapy | Bettr Health Norwich
What causes Neck pain?
Neck pain has a number of different causes ranging from mechanical pain, soft tissue injury, whiplash, Osteoarthritis, or nerve related pain. Lifestyle factors such as stress, activity levels, and other health conditions can all play a part in causing or contributing to neck pain.
Common conditions we treat include:
Mechanical neck pain
Mechanical neck pain is a common cause of neck pain. It is pain that cannot be attributed to a specific cause or structural abnormality. Mechanical neck pain can be the result of a wide number of causes prolonged postures, tension, or repetitive strain . We help to identify these and design a treatment plan specific to you.
Disc-related pain
As with lower back MRI’s, disc changes are very common in the neck, even in pain free individuals. A thorough assessment is required to help identify the relevance of these changes. In cases where the nerve is being impinged you may experience pain that radiates into the arm(s). Very few disc issues require invasive treatment such as surgery or injections. Physiotherapy and early pain management remain the gold standard for recovering from disc related pain.
Whiplash
The neck is a common site of pain after road traffic collisions or incidents that cause the head to be thrown forcibly forwards and/or backwards. The trauma sent through the neck can leave you with symptoms of pain and stiffness for weeks or months after the event. Whiplash is graded between 1-4 based on symptoms and severity. High grade injuries require immediate medical attention, but mid to low grade injuries improve with time and appropriate treatment.
Sport injuries
Sport injuries can arise from trauma and can result to whiplash type disorders or other tissue injury. This is common is sports such as rugby, skiing, boxing, and many others. They can also be a result of non-impact injuries, particularly in sports such as motor racing which places high load through the neck when cornering or braking. Understanding the underlying injury and designing a treatment plan specific to your sport is essential to help you return, and continue performing without re-injury.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis is commonly thought of as age related change and is essentially osteoarthritis of the spine. Common symptoms include pain and stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning. The great thing is, this is a very manageable condition and responds exceptionally well to physiotherapy and lifestyle management.
Nerve related arm pain
Similar to sciatica, nerves can be irritated at the neck. However, nerve root pain from the neck will spread down the arm(s) rather than the legs. Symptoms are often described as sharp or burning, and may be accompanied by numbness or loss of power to the arm or hand. It is very rare these symptoms require surgery or injections, and will often resolve with time and an effective treatment plan.
When should I see a physio for my neck pain?
Most episodes of neck pain improve over time and can often be managed without invasive treatment. However, if your pain is severe, persistent, worsening, spreading, or limiting your normal activities, it may be worth seeking professional advice.
What does Physiotherapy do for neck pain?
We offer Physiotherapy for neck pain in our Norwich based clinic. Our approach is varied and tailored to you. It starts with a full assessment to identify and understand the underlying causes, followed by a personalised treatment plan based on your assessment, goals and lifestyle.
What treatment will I receive?
Our treatments will vary to match your individual needs but may include:
Education
Lifestyle Adjustments
Tailored Exercise Prescription
Massage
Spinal Mobilisation or Manipulation
Dry Needling
Do I need a scan?
Neck pain very rarely needs imaging but if it is clinically indicated, we have direct referral for private MRI scans or we can facilitate your pathway via the NHS. We will always discuss your options and the appropriateness of imaging with you so you can be confident you are receiving the best care.
When should I see my GP?
Physiotherapists are the natural first point of contact for neck pain so we can see you without you having to see your GP first. We are trained to spot symptoms that may indicate something more serious is happening. In these very rare cases we will advise you on what to do. However if you have not seen us yet, you should seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider if you experience a new onset of any of the following symptoms in conjunction with your neck pain:
Loss of balance or control of your legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Saddle or genital numbness
Sudden or severe headaches
Loss of vision or sudden changes such as double vision
Trouble with your speech or swallowing
How can I book to see a Physiotherapist?
We would be happy to help with your neck pain. Our clinic is based at 7 St John’s Alley, Norwich, NR21DR. You can book online or contact us to book or have a no obligations chat.
