Your neck is an extremely complex structure made up of bones, joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. This complex make-up allows it to balance the demands placed upon it in having to hold up the weight of your head (which can weigh up to 5kg) and also allow you to move accurately in multiple directions.
Neck pain occurs in 30-50% of the population. The pain can be constant or intermittent and can be just in your neck or refer into the head, across the shoulders or into your arm. Neck pain can arise from a simple injury or as a result of something more complex such as a motor vehicle accident, occupational stresses that involve repetitive arm/neck movements or postural overload. Not long ago you would have been advised to rest, maybe wear a neck brace or simply wait for the pain to subside. However this has changed.
Exercise is an important part in the treatment prescribed by Capital Clinic Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists to improve pain in the short and long term. There is mounting scientific evidence that tells us that exercise targeted at the neck and shoulder regions is better than general exercise, such as aerobic exercise, in reducing neck symptoms.
There is further evidence that for optimal benefits the exercise needs to target the specific activity that you are experiencing difficult with. For example, if you want to improve your sitting work posture, your exercise program may be different than if you want to pursue your hobby of bird watching. Furthermore, if your goal is to lift heavy loads above your head in the gym or at work, your exercise program needs to be appropriately and safely progressed to include this type of exercise.
Capital Clinic Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists have the expertise to assess, treat and, in consultation with you, provide an exercise program that is not complicated and which can fit into your lifestyle.
For further assistance contact Capital Clinic Physiotherapy.