What Causes Neck Pain
Neck Pain & Postural Issues
Poor posture often causes neck pain, a common issue from widespread slouching habits today. Physiotherapists treat this by correcting alignment with exercises and manual therapy to reduce strain. Rounded shoulders or a sunken chest compress neck vertebrae and tissues over time, leading to stiffness. Physiotherapy identifies how posture affects tightness, trigger points, and joints, addressing these with targeted care supported by research linking posture to neck conditions.
Neck Pain & Emotional Stress
Emotional stress contributes to neck pain through persistent tension in tissues. Physiotherapists use manual therapy and stretches to reduce clenching from daily demands, a common issue in busy lives. This strain tightens muscles and joints over time, causing discomfort. Physiotherapy applies specific techniques to ease this tension, with studies connecting prolonged stress to reduced neck mobility and effective treatment outcomes.
Neck Pain & Old Injuries
Old, untreated neck injuries frequently lead to persistent pain from past events like accidents or falls. Physiotherapists treat this with therapy to break scar tissue and improve joint function. Pain may emerge years later from unhealed damage, and physiotherapy effectively targets these issues. Research shows this can progress to degeneration if ignored, requiring consistent care for relief.
Neck Pain & Occupation
Occupations with prolonged static positions or repetitive tasks increase neck pain risk. Physiotherapists treat desk workers with exercises to counter inactivity, reducing tissue strain. Athletes or drivers face similar loading issues, and physiotherapy adjusts care to address these patterns. Studies link work-related strain to neck discomfort, guiding effective treatment approaches.
Neck Pain & Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease results from ageing discs losing hydration, a condition physiotherapists assess with care. They treat severe cases of pressing nerve roots with specific methods, though most remain painless, per research. Physiotherapy improves function despite degeneration, helping patients manage discomfort effectively. Scans alone don’t confirm pain sources, requiring thorough evaluation.
Neck Pain & Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects neck facet joints, causing pain when degeneration worsens over time. Physiotherapists use manual therapy and exercises to reduce stiffness and inflammation effectively. Research shows this manages symptoms in most cases, and physiotherapy tailors care to patient needs. Patients improve comfort with consistent, evidence-based treatment.
Neck Pain & Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal from degeneration, prompting physiotherapists to evaluate severe cases carefully. They treat mild stiffness but refer urgent nerve compression signs for medical checks, as research indicates risks like myelopathy. Physiotherapy adjusts care to focus on manageable symptoms, ensuring effective support with evidence-based methods.
Neck Pain & Foraminal Stenosis
Foraminal stenosis narrows nerve exits in the spine, a less common cause physiotherapists assess with precision. They treat related pain or numbness with targeted therapy, though it’s rare, per studies. Physiotherapy improves function in affected cases, helping patients reduce discomfort effectively with evidence-based care tailored to this condition.
Neck Pain & Infection
Infections in spinal tissues from the bloodstream rarely cause neck pain, requiring physiotherapists to screen for urgent signs like fever. They refer cases with severe symptoms for medical evaluation, as research highlights risks like meningitis. Physiotherapy focuses on typical pain management, ensuring appropriate care with evidence-based methods.
Neck Pain & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis inflames neck joints, causing pain from cartilage changes over time. Physiotherapists treat this with exercises and manual therapy to improve function effectively. Studies support managing this condition with consistent care, and physiotherapy adjusts treatment to patient needs. Patients reduce discomfort with this evidence-based approach.
Primary Contacts
Phone: 04 385 6446
Wellington:
Poneke Physiotherapy:
23 Waring Taylor St, Wellington, 6011 (Level 3)
Business Hours
Wellington:
Monday to Wednesday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday:
7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Friday:
7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Business Hours
Wairarapa:
Monday to Tuesday
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – 12:00pm