Back, Neck and Head
Do you really know what's causing your Back and Neck Pain?
There are many causes to back and neck pain. Sometimes determining the real cause of your pain can be quite complex. The physiotherapists at North West Physiotherapy will use a variety of techniques and unique tests to determine the REAL cause of your problems and work toward removing your immediate pain and then ensuring you remain pain-free over the long term.
Postural Stress
Poor posture stresses your spine. Ligaments are over-stretched, muscles tire and joints and nerves are put under pressure. North West Physiotherapy can conduct a complete posture analysis and specifically locate any issues you may have.
Muscle Strains
Minor muscle strains quickly improve on their own, but more severe strains will need physiotherapy treatment to relieve pain and promote healing.
Ligament Sprains
Stretching ligaments too far or too quickly makes them tear and bleed into surrounding tissues, causing swelling and pain. Motor vehicles and sporting accidents are common causes of ligament sprains. A common neck injury is the acceleration/deceleration injury or "whiplash" where the head is thrown forward or backward, commonly caused in car accidents.
Disc Problems
Discs are anchored to the vertebrae, above and below, so they cannot "slip" out of place. They can wear down with age, but most disc problems arise from a specific injury. Discs can bulge (prolapse), herniate or even rupture.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerves run from the lower back, through the buttocks and down the back of your legs. Irritation anywhere along this pathway will cause pain in your back and legs.
Arthritis
Vertebral and facet joints can be affected by arthritis, causing degeneration and inflammation within the joint and the growth of bony spurs on the edges of the vertebrae.
Muscle Weakness
Recent research has shown that weakness of the deep abdominal muscles can contribute to increased strain on the lower back.
Is Your Headache Really a Neck Ache?
For many people, headaches start as pain or tension at the top of the neck. As the pain worsens, it may spread to the back of the head, the temples and forehead or behind the eyes. Moving the neck or bending forward for a long time tends to make it worse.
This happens because the nerves in the upper part of your neck are connected to the nerves in your head and face. A disorder of the upper neck joints or muscles can cause referred pain to your head. Any of the following points could suggest that your neck may be causing the headache:
- Headache associated with neck pain. Does the pain radiate from the back to the front of your head?
- Headache with dizziness or light-headedness.
- Headache brought on or worsened by neck movement or staying in the same position for a long time.
- Headache which always feels worse on the same side of your head.
- Headache eased by pressure to the base of the skill.
- Headache which persists after your doctor has checked for other causes.
North West Physiotherapy staff will determine the source of your back and neck pain or headaches and treat it using a variety of specific techniques. These may include:
- Mobilisation
- Functional and rehabilitative exercises
- Encouraging normal activity
- Postural assessment, correction and advice
- Relaxation therapy
- Laser, ultrasound, electrotherapy and heat treatment
- Massage
Your North West physiotherapist will also offer you a range of self-help advice on ways to correct the cause of your neck pain, such as practical ergonomic tips for work and in the home, adjusting furniture, relaxation and exercise.
Contact North West Physiotherapy today to book your personal assessment and get on the path to getting pain free.
