Neck & Head
Thoracic outlet syndrome:
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. The compression can cause pain into your shoulders and neck numbness and into your fingers.
Common causes:
Physical trauma such as a car accident
Repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities
Certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib)
Pregnancy.
Treatment:
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Mobilisation techniques
• Rehabilitation
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. The compression can cause pain into your shoulders and neck numbness and into your fingers.
Common causes:
Physical trauma such as a car accident
Repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities
Certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib)
Pregnancy.
Treatment:
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Mobilisation techniques
• Rehabilitation
Whiplash:
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that can occur with quick movement of the neck in a forward, backward or sideward movement. The soft tissues of the neck become sprained as they are over stretched and damage.
Symptoms:
• Neck pain and tenderness to move and touch
• Reduced mobility of the neck
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Pain into the shoulders and arms
• Pins and needles and dizziness can be seen in some cases
Common Causes:
• Falls and trips
• Card accidents
• Direct impact to the neck
It is advised to seek medical attention after any impact to the head or neck area. A scan/ X-ray may also be required.
Treatment:
• Massage
• Mobilisation techniques
• Ultrasound therapy
• Taping
• Acupuncture
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Keeping the neck mobile
• Pain killers
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that can occur with quick movement of the neck in a forward, backward or sideward movement. The soft tissues of the neck become sprained as they are over stretched and damage.
Symptoms:
• Neck pain and tenderness to move and touch
• Reduced mobility of the neck
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Pain into the shoulders and arms
• Pins and needles and dizziness can be seen in some cases
Common Causes:
• Falls and trips
• Card accidents
• Direct impact to the neck
It is advised to seek medical attention after any impact to the head or neck area. A scan/ X-ray may also be required.
Treatment:
• Massage
• Mobilisation techniques
• Ultrasound therapy
• Taping
• Acupuncture
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Keeping the neck mobile
• Pain killers
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Headaches / migraines
Headaches and migraines can be causes by tension in the back, neck and shoulders it can cause referred pain up into the base of the skull, around the ears, eyes and shoulder. Tension can be caused by stress, muscle Imbalances, trauma, poor posture and poor sleeping habits.
Symptoms:
• Pain in back, neck and shoulders
• Referred pain
• Sickness/ nausea
• Feeling of wanting to sleep in a dark room
Treatment:
• Rest
• Deep tissue massage to back, neck, shoulders, head
• Acupuncture
• Taping
• Heat treatment
• Stretching
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Pain killers
Headaches and migraines can be causes by tension in the back, neck and shoulders it can cause referred pain up into the base of the skull, around the ears, eyes and shoulder. Tension can be caused by stress, muscle Imbalances, trauma, poor posture and poor sleeping habits.
Symptoms:
• Pain in back, neck and shoulders
• Referred pain
• Sickness/ nausea
• Feeling of wanting to sleep in a dark room
Treatment:
• Rest
• Deep tissue massage to back, neck, shoulders, head
• Acupuncture
• Taping
• Heat treatment
• Stretching
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Pain killers
Degenerative Cervical Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease refers to the "wear and tear" or changes to a disc which can be caused by aging so generally effects older people. It has been notes that signs of degenerative discs can be worsened if a clients has had pervious injury, has had a repetitive job or hobby, hereditary. Sometimes, narrowing of the space between discs can occur and cause bone spurs this can lead to compression of nerve roots.
Symptoms:
Sometimes, no symptoms are present with this type of condition however pain can be felt:
• Pain and stiffness
• Pain is worsened when moving the neck
• Numbness, tingling and weakness down the arms
Diagnosis:
• Reviewing medical history
• Assessments
• X-ray
Treatment: (dependent on symptoms and severity)
• Ice/Heat
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Sort tissue treatment (relax surrounding structures)
• Heat treatment
• Surgery
Cervical Osteoarthritis
Cervical osteoarthritis also none as cervical facet joint syndrome can be common in the older population. Cartilage between the facet joints can wear down over time, causing pain and restriction. Localised pain to one area of the neck is also common, however it is not uncommon for the arthritis to spread to the back and shoulder.
Diagnosis:
• Medical history
• Physical examination
• MRI
• X-ray
Treatment:
• Rest, reduce or modify activity
• Ice and heat
• Anti-inflammatory
• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc can occur to anyone, but is more common in older adults. The nucleus which is inside the disc can ‘leak’ or escape and can pinch or compress the nerve.
Symptoms:
• Burning or tingling pain down arms
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Muscle spams
• Stiffness
Diagnosis:
• Medical history
• Physical examination
• MRI
Treatment:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Ice and heat
• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy
