Neck pain – or cervicalgia – is a reasonably common condition. Between 10% – 20% of people are suffering from neck pain at any given point in time, with women more commonly affected than men.
We are a family osteopathic clinic in Blackheath, South-east London, offering treatment for neck pain alongside a range of related conditions including headaches, frozen shoulder, and a Blackheath back pain clinic and Blackheath sports injury clinic. We also offer sports massage, sports therapy and dry needling. Booking is easy using our online system, there are no long wait times and you can normally see one of our osteopaths within 24-48 hours of booking your appointment.
The part of the spine which makes up the neck is called the cervical spine. It is made up of seven vertebrae, called C1 (at the top) to C7, and stabilised by various ligaments, muscles and tendons.
Most neck pain is caused by strains and sprains in these soft tissues, caused by overuse, overextension, or another unnatural movement. This may be from sleeping in an unusual position, spending too long in a poor posture – for example when using a laptop or driving – or by simply overdoing it whilst playing sport, dancing, etc.
More serious or chronic neck pain (pain which lasts for three months or more) can have a wide range of potential causes, including poor posture, injuries such as a fall, motor accident or sporting injury. Degenerative diseases such as arthritis or simply getting older, can lead to neck pain or facet joint syndrome, where the discs in between the facet joints of the spine begin to wear down, leading to pain.
A slipped or herniated disc can also lead to neck pain, or to nerve issues such as a pinched nerve. Stress can also be part of neck pain as it typically causes tension in the muscles of the neck, which can also lead to a headache originating from the neck, called a cervicogenic headache. Your osteopath can accurately diagnose the root cause of your neck pain, and advise on the most suitable treatment in your case.
Our skilled and experienced practitioners take a person-centred approach and are dedicated to helping you back to full health, whatever your age, activity level or health goals. Our osteopaths are fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council and Institute of Osteopathy.
Osteopaths are able to diagnose and treat the majority of neck pains. At your initial appointment we will give you time to explain where and when your neck hurts and any factors you think might be causing the pain. We will then take a medical history and ask questions to understand any other factors that might be relevant before moving on to an examination of your neck and of your general biomechanics, looking for possible imbalances or other issues which may be causing your neck pain.
We may also use a range of different tests such as checking your range of motion, the strength and flexibility of various muscles in the neck, and palpation – directly feeling the structures of your neck to look for any abnormalities. In rare cases we might also refer you for further testing, such as X-rays.
It is not uncommon for the neck to crack or grind when it is moved, a condition known as crepitus. If the sensation is not accompanied by pain, it is normally not a symptom of anything serious. The grinding sound is caused by movements of the vertebrae in the cervical spine, and the cracking is caused by air escaping from the synovial fluid which lubricates the joint.
Cracking and grinding can also be caused by degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis, or exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as poor posture and stress. These can tighten the muscles of the neck and make cracking or grinding more likely. If you are in any doubt or you are regularly experiencing pain in the neck as well as the cracking or grinding sound, it is advisable to see a qualified physical therapist for a professional examination.
Osteopaths are experts in the cervical spine, posture, and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, able to accurately diagnose the root cause of your pain and in most cases offer appropriate treatment. Osteopaths use a wide range of physical therapy techniques which may include directly manipulating the joints of the cervical spine, mobilisation, soft tissue techniques including deep tissue massage, and dry needling.
Osteopaths train for a minimum of 4 years and are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Osteopathy is one of the 14 Allied Health Professions, and many osteopaths work in musculoskeletal departments of the NHS. Osteopaths are also Primary Care Practitioners, able to assess you and refer you to a more appropriate service or further tests and scans if osteopathy is not the right treatment for you. You can learn more about osteopathy on our osteopathy page.
We are a welcoming clinic for all the family in Blackheath, treating everyone from children with postural issues to elderly people suffering from arthritis. We offer osteopathic treatment for neck pain alongside a range of other services including a Blackheath back pain clinic and Blackheath sports injury clinic, and offer a range of treatments including sports massage and dry needling in addition to osteopathy.
Booking is easy using our online system. There are no long wait times and you can usually see a clinician within 24-48 hours of booking your appointment. If you have any questions at all, please contact us and our staff will be happy to advise.
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Nirosan Sriskandarajah MOst, osteopath and clinical director of Sphere Osteopathic Clinic.
Sphere Osteopathic Clinic
5 Delacourt Road
Blackheath
London SE3 8XA
