Acute neck pain is a recent onset of pain, usually lasting less than 6 weeks, often caused by a muscle strain or ligament sprain. Chronic neck pain persists for more than 3 months and may be related to underlying issues like disc degeneration, arthritis, or poor posture, requiring a more comprehensive treatment approach.
Yes, an unsupportive pillow can contribute to neck pain by forcing your neck into an unnatural position for a prolonged period. Our physiotherapists can assess your sleeping posture and recommend the optimal pillow type and height to maintain neutral spinal alignment and reduce morning stiffness.
In most cases, a thorough clinical examination is sufficient to diagnose the source of neck pain. Imaging is typically reserved for cases involving trauma, suspected nerve compression (radiculopathy), or when symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, to rule out more serious pathology.
Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical term for a pinched nerve in the neck, where a nerve root is compressed or irritated as it exits the spinal column. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand, which we can effectively treat with targeted manual therapy and specific nerve gliding exercises.
Preventing recurrence involves a combination of ergonomic adjustments at your workstation, maintaining good posture, and a specific strengthening program for the deep neck flexor and scapular muscles. We provide a tailored prevention strategy to address your individual risk factors and build long-term resilience.
Joint manipulation can be a safe and effective treatment for certain types of neck pain when performed by a highly trained physiotherapist after a thorough screening. At GRIT, we use gentle, specific mobilisation techniques and only consider manipulation if it is clinically indicated and deemed safe for your specific condition.
