Neck pain and stiffness are common issues that many people experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s from sleeping in an awkward position, poor posture, or an underlying health condition, neck pain can significantly impact your daily life. This blog will guide you through effective treatments for neck pain, when to consider getting a scan, and how physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging can help you in your recovery.
Where does neck pain and stiffness come from?
Neck pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that restricts your ability to move. It often arises from muscle strain, poor posture, or prolonged use of computers and mobile devices. In some cases, neck pain may result from more serious conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, or pinched nerves. Most of the time, it’s what we call simple pain. By that, we mean it’s going to be self-limiting, it will last a period of time and then settle, but it’s not going to shorten our lives. For more information on when back and neck pain may pose a more serious problem, read here.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment option for neck pain, especially for chronic or severe cases.
The main goal of physiotherapy treatment for neck pain and stiff neck is to relieve pain & tension and improve the mobility of the neck.
A physiotherapist or neck specialist will always begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand the underlying cause of your neck pain. This involves understanding when your neck pain started, whether you have history of neck pain, as well as evaluating your posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and any areas of tenderness.
Based on the assessment, a tailored program will be made to your specific needs. This may include stretches to improve flexibility, exercises to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles, and movements to enhance your overall posture.
Physiotherapists often use hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue release to alleviate pain and restore mobility. These techniques help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.
When should you consider getting a scan?
While most neck pain resolves with conservative treatment, there are situations where you should consider getting a scan, such as an X-ray or MRI. These include:
- Persistent pain: if your neck pain doesn’t improve after several weeks of self-care or treatment.
- Severe pain: intense pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications.
- Radiating pain: pain that extends down your arms or legs, which could indicate nerve compression.
- Weakness or numbness: experiencing weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms, hands, or legs.
- Limited range of motion: difficulty moving your neck or turning your head.
- Injury-related: neck pain following a traumatic injury like a fall or car accident.
- Fever and headache: if your neck pain is accompanied by a fever, headache, or unexplained weight loss, these could be signs of a more serious condition such as an infection.
In any of these cases, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether imaging is necessary. The physiotherapist can then refer you for a diagnostic imaging scan, or potentially to an orthopedist specialised in complex neck pain. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional help—early intervention can make all the difference in your recovery.
Written by Oryon Imaging – affordable private MRI scans, Ultrasound scans, X-rays and DEXA scans with rapid results in the heart of London.
Get in touch 020 7042 1888 | imaging@oryon.co.uk
