Neck Pain Northampton

Neck pain is becoming more and more common with the increasing use of smart phones, tablets and computers, particularly with those that work in a desk based role. More time sat, head down, shoulders fixed leads to gradual changes in posture for some people that will lead to symptoms of neck pain. These can include pain on one or both sides of the neck, in the shoulders or base of the skull.  The pain can be dull aching, tightness or other times sharp with restricted movement, Less commonly the nerves that exit the neck to supply the arm can become irritated or compressed due to wear and tear or disc damage which can lead to pain spreading to the shoulder or arms or pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand.
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​Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain will often be from a straightforward mechanical cause that resolves quickly. However, this can present as more severe or debilitating pain that doesn't ease off or keeps returning. The causes of which can seem trivial, such as "I just woke up with it", in many cases it is a gradual build up over months and what used to be the odd twinge or stiffness becomes a constant ache or sharp pain.  Although neck pain can be debilitating, it is rarely due to serious underlying causes but it is important to see a qualified health provider to determine if treatment or further examination and referral are required.

A common symptom of a neck problem is headache. Referred pain, dull aching or tightening at the back of the head, over the eye or side of the head can be caused by problems with the joints in the neck, tightness, knots or trigger points in the muscles around the neck, shoulder and jaw or nerve irritation. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be beneficial in treating this type of headache, known as cervicogenic headache, as well as being shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of certain types of migraine. It is important to let your chiropractor know if you start to experience a new or different type of headache as this can be a symptom that requires further examination.
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Chiropractic Treatment

​At our Northampton Chiropractic Clinic we are specially trained to use spinal manipulation or joint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques such as acupuncture, stretching, massage or Active Release Technique which are used alongside rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle advice to help improve symptoms and keep them at bay in the long term. In cases where we feel we can't help we may refer you to your GP for further assessment.

Sometimes simple changes can help when it comes to computer posture.

• Your seat should be adjusted so that your feet are flat on the ground, with your hips slightly above your knees.
• Your eyes should be in line with the top of the screen, if need be use a stand or even a box to raise it up to the right height.
• Yours elbows should be resting at desk height and your forearms should be flat, the use of arm rests can be helpful.
• Most importantly remember to take regular breaks and try to remain relaxed in your seat. Avoid sitting for more than 30-40 minutes at a time. 
• Check out the video below from the British Chiropractic Association

To book an appointment and visit our chiropractor clinic in Northampton, visit our contact page to fill out our form, or call us on 01604 754456. 
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