Neck Pain Treatment in Birmingham & Warwickshire
Promoting A New Standard Of Clinical Excellence In The Diagnosis & Treatment Of Neck Pain.
Neck pain is a significant public health issue in the United Kingdom, affecting a large portion of the population.Â
The lifetime prevalence of neck pain in the UK is substantial, with estimates suggesting that up to 50% of individuals will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. The prevalence of neck pain in the UK is reported to be approximately 4,636 per 100,000 people as of recent studies. Prevalence tends to peak between the ages of 45 and 54 and is generally higher in women compared to men. The annual incidence of neck pain varies, with some estimates suggesting a range of 10 to 21%. These figures highlight the significant burden of neck pain in the UK, affecting a wide demographic and contributing to considerable discomfort and disability among the population.
Common Causes Of Neck Pain.
Musculoskeletal neck pain can arise from various structures in the spine and surrounding tissues. Neck pain is also significantly affect by the psychological, social, and general health of an individual It is essential to differentiate between different causes to provide appropriate treatment and management. Some common causes of musculoskeletal neck pain include:
1. Â Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve root compression or irritation, typically from a herniated disc or bony changes, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness radiating to the shoulder, arm, or hand.
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2. Â Cervical Myelopathy: Compression of the spinal cord in the cervical region, leading to neck pain, along with motor or sensory deficits in the arms, legs, or trunk.
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3. Â Cervical Strain or Sprain: Injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the neck, often caused by overuse, poor posture, or sudden trauma (e.g., whiplash
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4. Â Cervical Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis /DJD): Age-related degenerative changes in the cervical spine, such as bone spurs or disc thinning, leading to chronic neck pain and stiffness.
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5. Â Cervical Disc Prolapse / Slipped Disc / Herniated Cervical Disc: Protrusion of the intervertebral disc compressing nearby nerves, leading to localized pain or radicular symptoms.
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6. Â Cervical Facet Joint Arthrosis: Pain originating from the small joints between vertebrae, typically aggravated by extension or rotation.
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7. Â Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain caused by trigger points in neck muscles, leading to localised and referred pain.
8. Cervical Rib Syndrome: An extra rib compressing nearby structures, causing pain and possibly vascular or neurological symptoms.
9. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of nerves or blood vessels at the junction of the neck and chest.
10. Occipital Neuralgia: Irritation or compression of the greater occipital nerve, resulting in sharp, shooting pain at the base of the skull that may radiate to the upper neck.
11. Brachial Plexus Injury: Trauma or stretching of the brachial plexus can cause pain radiating from the neck into the arm.
12. Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Acute or chronic pain due to hyperextension or hyperflexion injuries, often from motor vehicle accidents.
13. Fractures or Dislocations: Trauma to the cervical vertebrae, such as fractures or subluxations, causing localized pain and neurological compromise in severe cases.
14. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis affecting the cervical spine, especially the atlantoaxial joint, potentially leading to instability.
15. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Chronic inflammatory arthritis causing stiffness and pain in the neck due to spinal fusion.
16. Fibromyalgia: Widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, including in the cervical region, often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Consultation & Diagnosis of Neck Pain.
Understanding your Neck Pain.
After your Consultation and Diagnostic Service Appointment, your clinician will carefully review the findings from your case and develop a personalised treatment or management plan for your condition. When you return to the clinic, we will sit down with you to thoroughly discuss our conclusions. During this discussion, we will provide:
A Diagnosis: Clearly explaining your neck pain and its potential underlying causes / contributions.
A Prognosis: Offering an understanding of how your neck pain is likely to progress and the expected recovery timeline.
A Treatment Plan: If we determine that your neck pain is suitable for management within our clinic, we will outline the proposed approach.
- What we can do to help.
- What you will be able to do, in order to help yourself.
- What results you can expect.
- The rate at which you can expect these results.
- What this result will cost you in time and money. ‘We aim to make all costs involved in the management of your case known to you from the outset.’
- If we feel that your complaint would be better managed by another clinician, the appropriate referral to that clinician will be made without delay.
Safe & Effective Treatment Of neck Pain.
Our treatments typically include a comprehensive range of gentle, evidence-based conservative care procedures.
Each patient’s care plan is personalised, taking into account their unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. We recognise that some patients may feel apprehensive about treatment, and we are committed to providing comfort and reassurance throughout the process. The care we provide includes, but is not limited to:
- Spinal mobilisation
- Peripheral joint manipulative therapy
- Peripheral joint mobilisation
- Nerve mobilisation
- Pacing & graded exposure
- Postural & lifestyle advice
- Myofascial therapy (soft tissue work)
- Orthotic & splint prescription
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Pain education
- Rehabilitative exercise management:
- Strength & endurance training
- Movement pattern training
- Postural exercise
- Flexibility exercise
- Balance training
- Graded motor imagery
Who Should I See? Chiropractor Physiotherapist, Osteopath, or Podiatrist?
For the treatment of neck pain, or any other spinal problem we would probably suggest that you see one of our Chiropractors or Osteopaths, over a Physiotherapist or Podiatrist.
However, that said, each of these professions are essentially conservative (non-surgical) musculoskeletal care professions, and all can play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain.
