0330 088 7800
What is degenerative neck pain?
Degenerative neck pain is discomfort arising due to ‘wear and tear’ of one or more of the joints in the neck. It can lead to pain in the neck and across the shoulders and a reduced range of movement, or stiffness, in the neck. A structured physiotherapy programme is a successful way of treating degenerative neck pain.
Above: Passive stretch applied to trapezius muscle by therapistWhat can cause degenerative neck pain?
Degenerative neck pain is not caused by a single incident or injury. Wear and tear usually occurs over numerous years. As a result, degenerative neck pain is normally seen in older patients.
What should I do if I have degenerative neck pain?
If you have degenerative neck pain then you should attempt to continue moving as normally as possible. You should also arrange a physiotherapy assessment.
What shouldn’t I do if I have degenerative neck pain?
If you have degenerative neck pain then the worst thing that you can do is avoid moving your head in an attempt to relieve your pain. Limiting your neck movements in this way may provide you with some short term relief but, in the long term, it will cause you to have more stiffness and, therefore, more pain.
Above: Soft tissue massage of the muscle and connective tissues in the neck by specialist MSK therapistPhysiotherapy for degenerative neck pain.
Physiotherapy treatment provided for degenerative neck pain is largely dependent on the exact symptoms that an individual is experiencing. Treatment is often aimed at increasing range of movement with specific stretching exercises. Other physiotherapy techniques include:
Above: Stretches and mobilisations of the cerival spine, muscle and connective tissues in the neckCan degenerative neck pain have any long-term effects?
Yes, degenerative neck pain is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. Physiotherapy treatment can, however, significantly improve your symptoms and your physiotherapist can teach you how to manage your neck pain.
Above: Experienced physiotherapist performing mobilisations on the cervical vertebrea to relieve stiffness and any nerve impangementTo arrange a physiotherapy appointment call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 or book online
