neck stiffness
A stiff neck is a very common condition that occurs in many people. Physiotherapy is a very effective treatment for a stiff neck and can help to resolve symptoms in a short space of time allowing you to get back to work and make sleeping and everyday activities better.
Your neck supports your head weight and acts to protect the structures inside it such as your nerves.
What is neck stiffness?
Neck stiffness describes immobility, stiffness and pain in your neck that can be caused by any of your neck structures, such as the joint itself, or soft tissue such as muscles, tendons and ligaments.
What causes neck stiffness?
Neck stiffness can be caused by tension or muscle strains. Day to day activities can cause neck stiffness such as having a computer monitor that isn’t at the correct height, working at a desk and being hunched over for long periods of time, watching television or reading a book with a poor posture for a long period of time, turning or twisting the neck rapidly or “jarring” it during exercise, or sleeping awkwardly or uncomfortably. Your physiotherapist can use the term “non-specific” if you haven’t got an obvious reason for the stiffness in your neck.
Stress and anxiety have also been linked to neck stiffness as tension builds in your neck muscles.
Falls or other traumatic incidents can cause neck stiffness usually with other more serious conditions such as whiplash or a fracture.
What are the symptoms of neck stiffness?
There are a few typical symptoms that present with neck stiffness including:
- Muscle spasm
- Pain
- Difficulty with neck movement, more so to one side
- Tingling, numbness or arm weakness if one of the nerves in your hand is irritated
How is neck stiffness diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist will carry out a full subjective and objective examination, making sure all necessary things are assessed to determine whether you have neck stiffness or if something else is causing your symptoms.
Scans are not normally required for neck stiffness though they may be used to assess the level of injury to the structures in your neck or to rule out different diagnosis.
What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for neck stiffness?
Following on from your assessment, your physiotherapist will create a treatment programme for you based on what was found during your assessment. Every treatment plan is different and it will incorporate your lifestyle and goals.
Treatment may include:
- Stretching exercises
- Soft tissue massage
- Joint mobilisation
- Joint manipulation
- Trigger point release
- Postural advice
- Sleeping advice
Benefit of physiotherapy for neck stiffness?
There are several benefits of physiotherapy for neck stiffness and physiotherapy can help to improve your symptoms as quickly as possible. The benefits you receive will be based on your initial symptoms and your physiotherapy goals.
Physiotherapy aids:
- Decreased pain
- Improved range of movement
- Increased strength
- Improved posture
- Prevention of re-injury
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.