Neck Pain

The alignment of the spine, including the cervical spine or neck is crucial in the body’s ability to move efficiently and support its own weight. Common causes of neck pain include a trapped nerve, arthritis, injuries such as whiplash or as most commonly reported; poor posture. The neck is under constant daily stresses and strains brought on normal, everyday activities. Postural misalignment can develop over several years or the onset may happen suddenly depending on repetition and time spent in poor positions. Slouching in a chair, wearing poorly fitted shoes, hunching to look at a screen and even centre of gravity disturbance caused by, for example, late stage pregnancies can all lead to various postural problems.

Seeking early advice and intervention from an osteopath is vital to identify and halt the causes of neck pain and prevent further complications arising. Osteopathy treatment in neck pain aims to reduce the severity and occurrence of symptoms, improve ease of movement and increase resilience to future episodes of pain. Your osteopath will be able to combine a range of appropriate treatments including soft tissue massage, neck mobilisations and joint articulation. Stretching and strengthening exercises may be done as appropriate. Early and accurate application of these techniques can encourage faster recovery and repair. Overtime with treatment there may be a potential improvement in the structural integrity of the intervertebral discs which may in turn may slow the onset of early degenerative changes to the articular surfaces of joints. 

The London Osteopathy clinics are easily accessible, based in Holborn, Beckenham, and Central London. All three sites can offer acupuncture treatments which according to the NHS website can lead to a reduction in pain levels. In brief, acupuncture is considered as a complementary medicine in which small needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate sensory nerves, this results in the body producing pain-relieving endorphins to reduce pain levels. As stated by the NHS website a course of acupuncture usually creates longer-lasting pain relief than a one-off single treatment. Your osteopath will be able to talk you through the pros and cons of treatment before you enroll in a session at the London Osteopathy clinic.