As a Bristol Osteopath, one of the most common patient issues I am asked about is the treatment of neck pain.
Bristol Osteopaths are well-placed to treat neck pain, and a high percentage of my patients come to me with neck pain, neck issues, and neck-related niggles.
Any good osteopath in Bristol will be well trained to diagnose and treat most neck problems or neck conditions.
The neck is a highly-sensitive area of the body, and a careful approach is required when it comes to osteopathic treatments.
What are the different types of neck pain?
Neck pain comes in many different forms and occur for different reasons. Some common examples are:
Neck pain from a trauma or injury (such as whiplash)
Chronic neck ache due to postural stresses and strains
Neck pain from wear & tear or arthritic changes
Neck pain can also be referred from other body areas
Most neck issues can be managed by a Bristol Osteopath, although more severe injuries or conditions may require referral to specialists such as an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist.
What is the most common neck issue?
The most common neck issue I see at my Henleaze osteopathic clinic is related to posture at work.
Poor posture can cause adverse strain on the back and neck, leading to tension, pain and headaches.
As a Bristol Osteopath, I look for causes of a neck problem as well as the treatment of it.
As a result my management will include advice and specific exercises to help a patient ensuring they have the right knowledge to prevent the same neck issue returning in the future.
The management of posture related neck pain is key, and this can be successfully implemented with healthier sitting, and micro breaks.
Do impact injuries cause neck pain?
Injuries such as whiplash or impact injuries (from playing contact sports such as rugby, or even a fall from a horse or bike) need full assessment.
Many can be successfully managed with osteopathic intervention but it’s important to assess whether onward referral by an Osteopath is required.
There can also be other associated issues such as concussion to consider.
Accurate osteopathic diagnosis and treatment is critical in these instances.
Can osteo-arthritis cause neck pain?
Osteo-arthritis (O/A) or severe wear and tear is a common cause of neck pain later in life, but it can also be brought on prematurely by trauma and misuse.
Neck joints can become worn, causing stiffness and painful aching.
Is arthritic neck pain treatable?
Absolutely. Osteopathic treatment can help with an arthritic or worn neck. Most kinds of neck issues can be helped by a Bristol Osteopath.
Although O/A cannot be cured, gently improving mobility in the neck with treatment and exercise can help to greatly reduce discomfort and improve neck function.
Some of my patients with neck pain benefit considerably from booking maintenance osteopathic treatments.
Neck pain can sometimes originate from other body areas, and osteopaths in Bristol are trained to identify where the source of pain is coming from.
Read this to find out more ways to manage neck pain.
Please visit here to find out what a patient should expect from a good Osteopath in Bristol at all times and during any neck treatment.
To find out more about the full range of osteopathic treatments provided at Alex Prince Osteopathy in Bristol, please visit here for details.