The neck is second only to the lower back as the most frequent location of pain. In any given year, between 30% and 50% of the population will suffer an episode of neck pain. While neck pain is more common in women, middle age and those that suffer lower back pain, it can affect anyone, of any age, of any weight, of any level of fitness, of any occupation.

Many environmental and personal factors influence the course of neck pain and without appropriate management, 35% of people who have a debilitating episode of neck pain go on to have recurrent episodes often experiencing symptoms, such as ache and stiffness, as well as limitations of activity, between episodes.

Neck pain may arise from any one of a number of anatomical structures, including bones, inter-vertebral discs, joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and blood vessel.

Symptoms of neck problems include:

  • grinding, clicking or clunking sounds when moving your neck

  • pain in your head, face, neck, upper back, shoulder blade (scapular), shoulder, arm or hand

  • numbness or tingling in your entire arm or hand

  • weakness, heaviness or lack of coordination in your neck, shoulder or arm

  • visual disturbances e.g. blurred or double vision (diplopia)

  • ringing in your ears (tinnitus)

  • dizziness (vertigo)

  • and," foggy" or "clouded head", disturbed concentration and short term memory loss.

Many studies have found that “abnormalities” or “degenerative changes” found on X-rays such as joint and disc irregularities are not associated with neck pain because they are often found in people with no neck pain, particularly over the age of forty. The majority of neck pain is associated with spinal dysfunction, which can be diagnosed clinically.

Nerve compression, referring pain down the arm, can be associated with neck problems. Headaches that originate from the neck are very common and a high proportion of people with neck problems experience jaw (TMJ) and face pain.

Osteopathic treatment may relieve acute and chronic neck pain, stiffness and other symptoms, and restore function, by: 

  • improving range of motion
  • reducing fibrosis and adhesions
  • remodelling tissue architecture
  • stimulating tissue regeneration
  • improving blood flow and nerve activity.

Long-term resolution can be achieved by identifying and managing underlying causative and maintaining factors. 

Neck conditions that respond well to osteopathic treatment include: