Ouch! My Neck Hurts!

Pain and stiffness in the neck is a common complaint for some of us. Most of the time it is manageable and will resolve with rest, stretches and changing lifestyle causes.  Improving your posture or changing that old flat pillow may do the trick. Physiotherapy manual therapy has also been shown to be effective in managing some causes of neck pain and headaches.

However for some the problem relates to underlying changes from injury or degenerative issues in the cervical (neck) intervertebral discs or facet joints. While much less common than in the lumbar spine, “cervical spine nerve root irritation” can be a very painful, with symptoms like aching, pins and needles or numbness radiating into the arm, thoracic spine or to the head. In plain language it means a pinched or compressed nerve in your neck.

What’s Going On?

A nerve root is the place between each vertebral bone, where a nerve comes out from the spinal cord. Any compression of a spinal nerve root with inflammation may lead to symptoms that radiate out from the source. People may experience “pins and needles” in your hand, aching in your shoulder, headaches or even loss of muscle power to the muscles that are supplied by that nerve.

Your doctor may refer you for scans such as CT Scan or MRI to assess the source of the problem.

Physio to the Rescue!

Your physiotherapist offers many ways to help you manage the inflamed nerve root by giving advise on how best to optimise space between vertebrae, to allow the nerve root area to calm and heal.

Hands-On Help:

Our physiotherapists offer gentle hands-on treatment from a physio can ease pain and loosen stiff joints. This may involve massage, dry needling or laser for trigger points, light manual traction and other techniques.

Home Management

Your physio will discuss and demonstrate ways to best manage the nerve root pain to encourage it to settle. They can give advice on the optimal ways to position yourself for sleep, sustained sitting and advice on setting up your workspace to avoid neck strain.

Physiotherapists are specialists in assessing posture and movement patterns that may have contributed to neck pain. Learn how to avoid actions that may irritate the condition, while freeing the neck area to move with less tension and pain.

Stronger Neck. Less Pain:

At first it will not be advisable to exercise as normal, while Cervical nerve root pain is settling. You physio can guide you in a graded exercise program, while healing and strength improve again. A step-by-step approach is best advise! In the long run, some strengthening exercises will also be part of preventing any further exacerbation of the condition.

Teamwork is the Key

Effective management of cervical nerve root irritation often requires a collaborative approach. Your physiotherapist works closely with your doctor, ensuring a comprehensive treatment plan. In some cases, medication or injections might be necessary to manage pain and inflammation, providing a foundation for physiotherapy to work its magic.

Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that stress and tension can significantly contribute to neck pain. If stress is a contributing factor, incorporating strategies from a psychologist or counsellor can be invaluable, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of your discomfort. A holistic approach, combining medical expertise with psychological support, ensures you receive the most effective and well-rounded care.

Bouncing Back and Staying Pain-Free

Rest assured, with the right guidance and treatment, recovery from cervical nerve root irritation is achievable. Our physiotherapy advice is designed not only to alleviate your current pain but also to equip you with the tools to prevent future flare-ups.

Key strategies for maintaining a healthy neck include consistent postural control, regular relaxation techniques, and targeted endurance training of the deep cervical and shoulder girdle muscles.

We’ll also advise you on how to modify or avoid activities that could strain your neck, such as heavy lifting or prolonged forward flexion. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can maintain a strong, flexible, and pain-free neck.

Don’t Suffer in Silence!

If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, radiating discomfort, or any of the symptoms described, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Physiotherapy can make a significant difference in your quality of life, offering targeted treatment and empowering you with the knowledge to manage and prevent future issues.

Take the first step towards a pain-free neck and a more comfortable life. Book an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists at Activate in Annandale today. Let us help you get back to doing what you love, without the burden of neck pain.