Cervical postural dysfunction can also be referred to as postural syndrome.

What is cervical postural dysfunction?

Cervical postural dysfunction is quite a common condition which causes pain in the neck where there is no significant trauma or tissue damage.

What are the causes of cervical postural dysfunction?

Cervical postural dysfunction is caused by a person adopting poor posture over a sustained period of time. This can occur in any position including standing or lying, but is frequently felt during sitting, such as watching television, driving or sitting at a computer.

There are several factors that can contribute to cervical postural syndrome including:

  • Poor posture
  • Poor work-station set up
  • Joint stiffness
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor core stability
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle tightness
  • Excessive computer or laptop use
  • Use of inappropriate pillows

What are the symptoms of cervical postural dysfunction?

Often, people with cervical postural dysfunction have normal and pain-free neck movement and symptoms are only experienced when bad posture is maintained for long periods of time. This can occur in sitting, standing or lying.

Pain is usually experienced as a dull ache or a burning sensation in the neck area and can sometimes cause pain in the upper back or shoulders and occasionally headaches are present. Often the pain with cervical postural dysfunction will settle when moving or changing positions as this takes the strain off the muscles affected.

Cervical postural dysfunction is common during everyday activities that encourage arms to move forward such as cleaning, cooking or ironing and also in sports when a lot of time is spent bending forwards such as cycling and hockey players.

How is cervical postural dysfunction diagnosed?

A thorough assessment by a physiotherapist can diagnose cervical postural dysfunction. Sometimes scans may be required to rule out other conditions that may be causing the pain and these include X-rays, CT and MRI scans.

What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for cervical postural dysfunction?

Physiotherapy treatment for cervical postural syndrome can help to significantly reduce symptom and prevent recurrence of the injury. Every treatment plan is individual and your physiotherapist will choose the most appropriate treatment methods for you.

Physiotherapy treatment for cervical postural syndrome can include:

  • Postural re-education and training
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Electrotherapy
  • Postural taping
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Ergonomic assessment of workstation
  • Biomechanical correction
  • Clinical Pilates
  • Activity modification advice

Benefit of physiotherapy for cervical postural dysfunction?

The prognosis for cervical postural syndrome following physiotherapy is very good provided you are motivated and compliant with physiotherapy advice, treatment and exercises. Most patients can achieve pain free status straight after posture correction and retraining movement patterns is essential to prevent the problem re-occurring.

Physiotherapy can:

  • Improve posture
  • Alleviate pain
  • Improve strength
  • Improve flexibility
  • Improve workplace ergonomics
  • Promote correct movement
  • Prevent the problem recurring

If you would like any further information regarding cervical postural dysfunction or would like to book an assessment please call 01245 615 051 or e-mail: infofarrellphysiotherapy@gmail.com.