Chronic Neck Pain – Prevent Recurrences:
Treatments are available to:
- Improve posture
- Address impaired muscle function in neck pain via specific motor control exercises
- Improve neck muscle endurance capacity via specific exercises
- Relax tight superficial neck muscles relieving unnecessary tension
- Improve sensorimotor function (awareness and control of joint position)
This multimodal approach is an ideal way to provide long-lasting relief of chronic neck and shoulder pain…
This approach is beneficial for conditions such as:
- Neck Pain
- Cervical Disc Degeneration
- Headaches
- Osteoarthritis
- Poor Posture
- Post-Operative Rehabilitation
- TMJ Dysfunctions
- Whiplash
Neck Pain: A Multimodal Rehabilitation and Treatment Approach
Neck pain is a relatively common condition, yet it reacts favourably to non-invasive and conservative treatment. Initial management is aimed at resolving the initial neck pain and restoring function.
Treatment is based on a multimodal approach and may include tailored graded exercises, functional analysis / postural analysis and sensory training in the case of whiplash (WAD).
Anatomy
The anatomy of the neck differs from the other areas of the spine allowing for a large range of mobility, as well as being able to scan our environment without any loss of stability.
When analyzing the cervical spine (neck) it is important to recognize their different functional and morphological regions.
The upper cervical complex is known as the atlantooccipital joint
C0-C1 as they support the head and allow for flexion and extension movements at the cranio-cervical region.
Next the atlanto-axial C1-C2 complex has a distinct motion segment and muscular anatomy that allows for up to 50% of our cervical rotation to occur and is crucial for the sensory movement of the head.
And thirdly, the C3-C7 area, these differ in in their neurology, morphology and motion patterns, allowing for further movement in all ranges.
The function of the cervical spine is also intimately related to the upper thorax and shoulder girdle. Due to genetic and postural factors it has a direct affect on neck posture and range of motion. There is also a close relationship between the upper cervical region and the tempero-mandibular joint, due to its position, function and neurology.
Given the broad range of requirements and functions of the cervical spine. Neck muscles must adapt with speed and strength to the specific demands of sport, and yet be able to complement the finer movements and kinesthetic awareness in our daily living.
Neck Degeneration
Neck degenerative changes are highly age dependent with a linear pattern.
There is a very strong genetic component 70-80% with degeneration and 30% idiopathic. There is a positive association with heavy work and some sport (dose response).
Neck degeneration does necessarily correlate with pain.
Referred Pain
Pain may be local or referred upwards towards the head or down towards the shoulder girdle.
This may be due to dysfunction within joints, discs, dura, vascular tissues, ligaments or muscles.
Headaches (Somatic)
Dysfunction of the upper cervical complex may lead to headaches these may be felt in the occiput and frontal region of the head and face.
Pain being referred to head and face may also be commonly attributed to Trigger Points emanating from the neck and shoulder girdle muscles.
Upper Shoulder Girdle Pain
The lower cervical region may refer pain to the shoulders, scapula, upper thoracic area and the chest.
Radicular Pain
Radicular pain is pain radiating into the upper limb that may be deep or sharp in nature. Usually emanating from the nerves of the Brachial Plexus or vascular tissues.