NECK PAIN

The head is supported by the neck, which is made up of seven bones (vertebrae) stacked one on top of the other. The vertebrae are cushioned by discs of cartilage and bound together with ligaments. Muscles provide movement and additional support.

The neck is very mobile, which means it is less stable than other areas of the body and more susceptible to injury. Trauma, poor posture and degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, are the most common causes of neck pain.

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with a large range of movement. Once again, a mobile joint tends to be more susceptible to injury. The shoulder joint relies heavily on the shoulder muscles for stability. Any dysfunction of these muscles or other anatomical structures, such as the collarbone, shoulder blade or joint itself, can cause pain and mobility problems.

Treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy or remedial massage can generally help neck and shoulder pain.

Whiplash neck injury

An injury to the neck that results from a sudden jerking backwards and forwards is often called a whiplash. Typically, this occurs as a result of a rear-end motor vehicle accident. This type of injury can overstretch the neck and upper back region, resulting in a strain or tear to the supporting ligaments, muscles and discs, even irritating the nerves. 

Symptoms of whiplash

The common symptoms of a whiplash injury are pain, stiffness, dizziness and headache. Recovery depends on the person and extent of the injury, but it can take weeks to months. 

Early treatment for whiplash may include:

• gentle mobilisation exercises
• pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication
• gentle soft-tissue and joint mobilisation.

Maintaining your normal daily activities is ideal, although modifications may be necessary to help the recovery of your neck. Be adaptable and remain positive. If pain is severe or persists, or if you have unusual symptoms associated with the injury, further examination or investigation by a healthcare professional may be required.

Wry neck (torticollis)

Wry neck (also known as torticollis) is the term used to describe a common condition where your neck suddenly becomes stiff and painful. Turning your head to the side (generally one side more than the other) and looking up can produce an acute ‘catching’ pain.

One or both sides of the neck may also go into spasm, and pain may be felt from the top of the neck down to the shoulder blade and even out to the top of the shoulder.

Causes of wry neck

There are many causes, with the most common including:

• poor sleeping posture
• a sudden flicking or jerking of the head
• viral infection
• carrying heavy unbalanced loads – such as a suitcase.

Treatment for wry neck

In most cases, if treated early, wry necks can respond well to treatment in a few days. Heat, massage and mobilisation can be used to loosen the neck joints, and reduce the pain and muscle spasm.

In rare cases, particularly for those people over 40, or very rarely in infants, wry neck can have underlying neurological involvement. Your doctor or therapist can help with this diagnosis and referral.

Self-care of wry neck

While you are recovering from wry neck, don’t:

• sit or lie with your neck in an awkward position.
• go out in the cold without being well wrapped up.

Useful tips include:

• Keep moving your neck as pain allows.
• Use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or have hot showers for pain relief.
• Keep warm.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pain medication if your pain is severe.

Posture problems and neck pain

Poor posture can cause neck pain by putting extra strain on ligaments and muscles. Standing with the shoulders slouched and chin poking forward, working with your head down for long periods of time, slumping while seated and sleeping face-down are common postural problems that affect the neck. 

Suggestions on how to prevent posture-related neck pain include:

• Correct your posture when standing or sitting, adjust your pelvic position, lift your chest gently, nod your chin slightly and relax your shoulders.
• Make sure your workstation is set up to help you sit properly.
• Stretch and change position frequently while you are working.
• Try not to sleep on your stomach, which overextends your neck.
• Choose a urethane or down pillow for neck support while you sleep.
• Combat the muscle-tightening effects of stress with relaxation techniques.
• Exercise regularly to improve muscle tone and posture.