Neck pain can stem from various causes. Common causes include:
Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or sleeping in an awkward position can strain the neck muscles.
Cervical Spondylosis: Degenerative changes of the cervical spine, leading to degeneration of discs and joints.
Herniated Disc: Similar to the back, the discs in the neck can herniate, causing pain and irritation of nerves.
Whiplash: Sudden jerking of the head, often due to car accidents, can result in neck strain.
Poor Ergonomics: Prolonged periods of looking down at screens or working in awkward positions can contribute to neck pain.
Nerve irritation or impingement: Irritation or compression of a nerve in the neck, causing radiating pain and discomfort.
Cervical Radiculopathy: Compression of nerve roots in the cervical spine. Symptoms might include pain, numbness, tingling or weakness on the arms and hands.
Seeking medical advice is important for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, pain medications, and sometimes, muscle relaxants.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining good posture and avoiding prolonged positions, can also be beneficial.
Pilates is a great exercise to help improve posture and strengthen the muscles around the neck and shoulders. You can discuss with your Physiotherapist when is a good time to restart exercising.
Book your Physiotherapy appointment here to start your health journey!