Neck pain can be a debilitating condition that affects individuals of all ages. It can be caused by various factors such as poor posture, injury, or degenerative diseases. When traditional treatments such as pain medications and stretching fail to provide relief, many individuals turn to osteopathy for pain relief. Osteopathy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that focuses on improving the body's overall function. In this article, we will discuss what to expect when treating neck pain with osteopathy.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasises the interrelationship between the body's various systems. It is based on the principle that the body has the innate ability to heal itself, and that the role of the osteopath is to facilitate this process (i.e. nudge it in the right direction). Osteopaths use a combination of manual techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, and strengthening exercises to treat a range of conditions including neck pain.
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors such as poor posture, injury, or degenerative diseases (normal age-related changes). Poor posture, especially at a desk, can cause the muscles in the neck to become strained, leading to pain and discomfort. Injuries such as whiplash or sports-related injuries can also cause neck pain. Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis or herniated discs can cause chronic neck pain that is difficult to manage with traditional treatments.
Osteopathic Treatment for Neck Pain
When treating neck pain with osteopathy, we first take a thorough case history to rule out any major conditions which may require admission to E.D. We would then perform a physical examination to highlight the muscles and/or joints that are involved in your pain presentation. Then we will then use a combination of manual techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation, joint manipulation, and exercise to improve the overall function of your upper back, neck and head.
Soft tissue mobilisation involves using gentle pressure to release tension in the muscles and improve circulation to the affected area. Some soft tissue techniques we find effective for the neck include dry needling, cupping, and deep tissue massage. Joint manipulation involves applying a controlled force to the affected joint to improve mobility and reduce pain. Through corrective exercises, we aim to target specific muscles that may have become weakened over time, which may be preventing you from getting better on your own.
Benefits of Osteopathy for Neck Pain
One of the primary benefits of osteopathy for neck pain is that it is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve the use of medications or surgery. Osteopathy is also a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on improving the body's overall function rather than simply treating the symptoms. This means that our goal is to provide you with tools for long-term relief rather than a temporary quick fix.
Are there any risks involved?
In general, osteopathic treatment for neck pain is considered low-risk and safe. However, if you fail to provide honest information during the case history portion of an appointment, vital information may be overlooked, which may result in adverse reactions to treatment.
In some cases, an individual may experience some discomfort during the session (during joint testing) and/or after treatment. However, this discomfort (similar to post-workout soreness or joint stiffness) rarely lasts for more than 48-72 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for osteopathy?
Unlike some specialist's medical services, you do not require a referral to see one of our Narre Warren osteopaths. Simply make a booking by clicking this link.
If you have been provided an enhanced primary care plan (EPC) by your GP, we'd ask that you contact us first via our contact form prior to making a booking.
Do you take private health rebates?
We have a HICAPS terminal on-site and can process an instant private rebate when making a payment. The amount your private health insurance covers will depend on your level of cover.
How many sessions will I need?
This is a question we get asked often and the answer is always the same. It depends.
A number of various factors will determine your recovery time and without a face-to-face appointment, it's hard to determine how long that timeline will be for each individual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, osteopathy is generally a safe and effective treatment for neck pain that can be individually tailored to your specific needs. We focus on the body as a whole, rather than your symptoms alone. Treatment will usually include some soft tissue manipulation, some joint mobilisation and you'll be sent home with some strengthening exercises to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment and provide long term results.
If you want to find out more about how an osteo in narre warren may be able to help you, feel free to email us at andray@gravityosteo.com.au or give us a call on 0493 031 231
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