Neck Pain Treatment
Cervical disc herniation
What is it?
Discs within the spine are made up of an inner and outer material. The inner material is known as the nucleus palposus, the outer called the annulus fibrosus. The inner material is much softer than the external, this can cause it protrude into the outer layer and potentially compress the nerve root leaving the vertebra (via the intervertebral foramina). This is what is often referred to as the misleading term of “slipped disc”. The nerve roots in the neck innervate the upper extremity (provide motor and sensory circuitry to your arms, hands and fingers). Therefore, this may cause pins and needles, numbness, weakness and pain into your arm and extending as low as the fingers.
How does it present?
It can cause pain in isolation to one side of the neck. It may extend further into the arm/shoulder and further down into the hand/fingers, sometimes with a form of neurological discomfort; resembling pins and needles and/or numbness and weakness on the affected side.
Why has it happened?
Direct trauma to the head neck can create disturbance to the disc and create discogenic pain, it can also be precipitated by something minor such as a sudden unguarded movement or even a violent sneeze.
How can we help?
Postural issues/muscle imbalances can predispose to neck pain. By stretching and strengthening the supportive cervical musculature through manual therapy and exercise prescription it can help the current injury recover and help prevent reoccurrence.
Cervical facet syndrome
What is it?
Movement is enabled by the vertebrae via a structure on either side known as the zygapophysial joints, or facet joints. These are essentially two platforms enabling a small amount of movement, working collectively with the other vertebrae to enable us sufficient movement to permit our day-to-day activities. These joints are loaded (compressed) when we actively extend (lean backward via our backs or head). Pain and discomfort can arise from these structures due to too much compression.
How does it present?
It can cause pain in isolation to one side of the neck. It may extend further into the arm/shoulder, it will rarely create neurological symptoms and referal below the elbow. The facet joints also have a capsule that attaches to the adjacent vertebrae, sometime the capsule can tear (similar to how a muscle or other soft tissue can) and will cause pain originating at this joint. Severity of pain varies, but tends to create less discomfort than a disc herniation.
Why has it happened?
The facet joints also have a capsule that attaches to the adjacent vertebrae, sometime the capsule can tear (similar to how a muscle or other soft tissue can) and will cause pain originating at this joint. Severity of pain varies, but tends to create less discomfort than a disc herniation
How can we help?
Postural issues/muscle imbalances can predispose to neck pain. By stretching and strengthening the supportive cervical musculature through manual therapy and exercise prescription it can help the current injury recover and help prevent future reoccurrence.
Cervical meniscoid
What is it?
Pain arsing in one or more facet joints of the neck, caused by articular cartilage (meniscoid) trapped in the joint space, pulling on the joint capsule and creating pain. The meniscoid functions to provide stability to the joint.
How does it present?
Sharp pain “catching” sensation on unspecific movements. Pain is often sudden, with the muscles around the neck becoming tight and uncomfortable. It may severely restrict movement.
Why has it happened?
This condition might be predisposed by unusual movements or sustained irregular posture. Unfortunately, it can be triggered without known causation.
How can we help?
It can be helped by a therapist providing joint articulation (the therapist manoeuvring your head and neck) and/or or by applying (if safe and appropriate) a short, fast movement through the joint known as a manipulation. Other techniques such as massage and medical acupuncture and help release the surrounding muscles, also encouraging the joint to move freely again and relieve pain.
Cervical Sprain/Strain
What is it?
There are numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments attaching to and from the cervical vertebrae. Any one of these structures microtrauma can occur, either by partially tearing or over stretching, usually triggered via direct trauma such as a sporting injury or sudden “unguarded” movement e.g., having to “duck” the head down to avoid an object.
How does it present?
The pain initially might cause discomfort through numerous ranges of movement, this might be due to more than one structured injured or high amounts of inflammation particularly at the onset. You may notice pain only when extending the neck, or moving it in a certain direction.
Why has it happened?
Direct trauma such as a sporting injury or sudden unguarded movement is likely a cause for a sprain or strain to cervical soft tissues.
How can we help?
Therapy might consist of a graded exercise plan and manual therapy techniques to help release tight areas, enabling the neck to heal more effectively and prevent further reoccurrence.