Neck Pain
We help individuals finally say goodbye to neck pain, without painkillers, so you can start living your best life.
Are you struggling to turn your head? Does lifting your head off your pillow cause a sharp pain in your neck? Is your pain worse in the morning or in the evening? Can’t check your blind spots when driving? Are you suffering with headaches? Could they be coming from your neck? If so, you have come to the right place.
When addressing neck pain, it is crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause. When dealing with neck pain that has resulted from trauma such as a fall or direct contact, identifying the specific cause is obvious. However, most of us experiencing neck pain cannot recall a specific event or trauma that brought on the pain.
The challenge with these types of injuries lies in identifying the underlying cause. Failing to identify the root cause will often result in persistent discomfort, future reoccurrence, and limitations when increasing activity levels. Without addressing the root of the problem, individuals may find themselves stuck in a cycle of pain management rather than achieving long-term relief and mobility.
Could sleep be giving you neck pain?
Poor sleeping position is one of the most common causes of neck pain. The way you position your head and neck during sleep can put strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck, leading to discomfort and stiffness. Here are some common sleep positions and their potential effects on neck pain:
Sleeping on Your Stomach: This position is generally considered the least favorable for neck health. When you sleep on your stomach, your head is often turned to one side for an extended period, which can strain the neck muscles and place stress on the cervical spine. Additionally, sleeping on your stomach may require you to use a thicker pillow, which can further exacerbate neck misalignment and discomfort.
Sleeping on Your Back: Sleeping on your back with proper pillow support can be a good position for minimising neck pain. It allows your head, neck, and spine to maintain a neutral alignment, reducing strain on the neck muscles and joints. However, if your pillow is too high or too low, it can cause your neck to flex or extend excessively, leading to discomfort.
Sleeping on Your Side: Side sleeping is a common position that can be comfortable for many people. However, it’s important to ensure that your pillow adequately supports your head and neck to keep your spine aligned in a neutral position. Using a pillow that is too high or too low can cause your neck to bend unnaturally, leading to strain and discomfort.
What are the most common symptoms of neck pain?
- A stiff neck/ shoulders first thing in the morning.
- Pain and stiffness when lifting their head off their pillow.
- Pain when sat in the car or at a desk for prolonged periods of time.
- Pain that refers in to the mid back and shoulder blades.
- Pain when turning their head such as checking blind spots while driving.
- Pain that refers down the arm or in to the hand.
- Tension headaches and pain at the base of the skull.
The most common neck problems we treat at Sharp Physiotherapy:
- Cervical Spondylosis: Also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition characterised by the wear and tear of the cervical spine’s vertebrae and discs.
- Cervical Disc Herniation: Cervical disc herniation, commonly known as a disc bulge occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, often due to degeneration or trauma. Herniated discs can irritate nearby nerves, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Cervical radiculopathy refers to the compression or irritation of a nerve root in the cervical spine, typically caused by conditions such as disc herniation, bone spurs, or foraminal stenosis. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands, following the path of the affected nerve.
- Cervical Stenosis: Cervical stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical spine, often due to degenerative changes, herniated discs, bone spurs, or congenital abnormalities. Cervical stenosis can lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty walking or coordinating movements.
- Cervical Sprain or Strain: Cervical sprains or strains are common soft tissue injuries that occur when the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the neck are stretched or torn, often due to sudden movements, trauma, or poor posture. Symptoms may include localized pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the neck.
- Whiplash Injury: Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, often as a result of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Whiplash can cause damage to the soft tissues of the neck, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative disc disease is a condition characterised by the breakdown of the intervertebral discs in the spine, leading to decreased disc height, loss of disc hydration, and changes in spinal alignment. In the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease can contribute to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Find Out Your Neck Pain Score!
Request A Free Telephone Consultation
A free discovery call is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have without committing to an appointment explore and discuss your injury and our service without any financial commitment.
It allows you to learn more about what’s offered and determine if it aligns with your needs before making a decision. It helps us establish whether physiotherapy is right for you, ensuring you make the very best decision on your health.
See What They’re Saying…
Laura's Story
“I was having really bad neck pain, it had a big impact on my work, I struggled with driving long distances, I’d done lots of things like Deep Heat and Stretching. All it did was a bit of pain relief that helped keep it at bay but nothing longterm. I was referred by a friend, she said how great it had been. There was loads of hands-on techniques on my neck. Now my headaches are far and few between, back doing the gym, back in doing yoga. Go for it straight away.”
Anne's Story
“I’ve had a long standing problem with my neck and shoulders, it were quite intrusive in picking stuff up, lifting stuff and even sort of sitting. The GP referred me to the NHS physio, but it weren’t really treatment. It didn’t seem to make any difference, my friend said just please give it a try. After treatment I could feel a difference, the nerve pain and the arm pain’s gone. Just give it a go whatever you’re going through”
Why We Are Different
We do not just hand out exercise sheets.
Many peoples perception of physiotherapy in the UK is that you get given an exercise sheet to do at home and nothing more. We diverge from this, and take a distinct approach to physiotherapy that offers a hands on and more personal approach.
Unlike many physiotherapy providers that merely hand out exercise sheets, we prioritise manual therapy techniques within the session to ensure not just quick, but often instant results for our patients. While our clinic places a strong emphasis on manual therapy for immediate pain relief, we do recognise the important of rehab exercises for long term health and injury prevention.
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We get to the very root of your problem.
We stand out by specialising in identifying the root cause of our patients’ issues rather than solely treating the symptoms. This approach allows us to provide personalised care that ensures long lasting results.
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We do not try and sell you more appointments than you need.
We take pride in our approach because we don’t believe in recommending more sessions than you need. Unlike some practices, we don’t advocate for more sessions than necessary and our focus is on providing precisely the care you need to achieve the outcome you want, ensuring a cost-effective path to your recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At Sharp Physiotherapy, our FAQ section provides answers to common questions about our services and treatments. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our team is here to help and guide you through every step of your care. Whether it’s preparing for your appointment or understanding how physiotherapy can aid your recovery, we’re happy to assist.
Can you treat neck arthritis?
Neck arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis, is incredibly common, affecting millions of people worldwide and is a natural part of the aging process. Over time, the discs and joints in the cervical spine undergo wear and tear, leading to degenerative changes, inflammation, and the formation of bone spurs.
Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment for neck arthritis and can make a remarkable difference in reducing pain and improving quality of life. So if you’re living with neck arthritis, know that there is hope. You don’t have to resign yourself to a life of pain and limitations. With the right support and treatment, you can take control of your health, reclaim your mobility, and enjoy a pain-free, active life.
Could my headaches be coming from my neck?
Headaches can indeed be related to issues in the neck. This type of headache is often referred to as a cervicogenic headache, meaning it originates from the cervical spine (neck). Cervicogenic headaches typically result from abnormalities or dysfunction in the structures of the neck, such as the joints, muscles, ligaments, or nerves. If you want to learn more about cervicogenic headaches you can read our latest post.
How long does it take for neck pain to go away?
Many of our patients with neck pain will experience an improvement in their pain after their first treatment, but the time it takes to fully resolve can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the severity and underlying cause of the neck pain, the individual’s overall health and fitness level, adherence to treatment recommendations, and any underlying medical conditions. In many cases, patients with neck pain can expect to see a significant improvement in their symptoms within 4 to 6 treatments.
What is tech neck?
“Tech neck” is a term used to describe a common condition resulting from the prolonged use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. It refers to the posture and strain placed on the neck and upper back muscles as a result of looking down at electronic screens for extended periods.
When using electronic devices, especially handheld ones like smartphones, many people tend to crane their necks forward and downward to view the screens. This position, often referred to as “forward head posture” or “text neck,” and is one of the most common causes of neck pain.
What Are The Prices? And Do I Need To Block Buy My Sessions Up Front?
Initial consultations are either 45 minutes or 60 minutes and the price is £65-80. Follow up treatments are either 30,45 or 60 minutes and the price is £50, £65 or £80. The length of treatment is determined by the nature of the injury and whether there are multiple areas that need treatment.
You do not need to block book your sessions and can book as you go. However, for those who will need more sessions or want to save some money we have some great treatment packages available.
I have had physio before and was given an exercise sheet that did not work. How are you any different?
At our clinic, we differentiate ourselves by going beyond providing generic exercise sheets. While specific rehab exercises play a crucial role in offering a lasting solution, we take a hands-on and outcome-focused approach to physiotherapy.
Can I request a female physio?
Absolutely, you can simply communicate your preference of a female therapist with our front desk team. They will be able to accommodate your request and ensure you receive the treatment you are comfortable with.
What do I need to wear? Do I need to take off my clothes?
The thought of getting in to your underwear, with a stranger and on your first visit is a daunting one and enough to put anyone off having physio but rest assured this is not the case. For a neck or upper limb injury we recommend a sports bra or a low back vest top and for a lower back, hip or lower limb injury we recommend loose shorts.
Private Vs NHS Physio – What is the difference?
Is there a difference between private and NHS physiotherapy? If so, what exactly is the difference? Is one better than the other? How do I know which one is best for me? Do all physio’s just give out exercise sheets?
In the pursuit of optimal health and recovery, individuals often find themselves at the crossroads of choosing between NHS and private physiotherapy. Both avenues offer valuable resources, but understanding the differences will enable you to make the very best decision on your health. If you have found your self asking any of the questions above, this one is for you.
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