Treatment for Neck Pain, Stiffness and Restricted Movement

Chiropractic care can help with many types of mechanical neck pain, particularly where pain is associated with restricted movement, joint stiffness or muscular tension. Treatment may include gentle spinal manipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and exercises. We’ll assess you first to determine the likely cause of your neck pain and whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate.

Neck pain can have many different causes, including muscle and joint problems, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, injuries, age-related changes and problems affecting the discs or nerves in the neck. Sometimes several factors contribute to the problem, which is why a thorough assessment is important.

Yes, depending on the cause. Neck stiffness is commonly associated with reduced movement in the joints of the neck and tension in the surrounding muscles. Chiropractic treatment can include techniques designed to improve movement and reduce pain and stiffness, together with advice and exercises to help maintain mobility.

Yes. Irritation or compression of a nerve in the neck can cause symptoms that travel into the shoulder, arm or hand. These may include pain, tingling, pins and needles, numbness or weakness. We can carry out neurological and orthopaedic examinations to help determine whether your symptoms may be coming from your neck.

Some headaches can originate from structures within the neck. These are often referred to as cervicogenic headaches and may be associated with neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement. Because headaches have many different causes, we’ll assess your symptoms carefully to determine whether your neck may be contributing to them.

Some cervical disc problems can be managed conservatively without surgery. Whether chiropractic treatment is suitable will depend on your symptoms, examination findings and whether a nerve is being affected. We’ll assess you first and, if we believe further investigation or specialist medical assessment is required, we’ll advise you accordingly.

Not necessarily. Many people with neck pain do not require an X-ray. If your chiropractor believes imaging is clinically indicated following your consultation and examination, we have digital X-ray facilities available on site at our Leigh-on-Sea clinic.

Your chiropractor will take a detailed medical history and examine you before recommending treatment. The type of treatment used will depend on your individual condition, age, medical history and examination findings. Not every patient requires the same techniques, and treatment can be adapted to your individual needs and preferences.

Most neck pain is musculoskeletal and is not caused by a serious condition. However, symptoms such as significant or worsening weakness in an arm or leg, problems with walking or balance, loss of coordination in the hands, or new bladder or bowel problems require prompt medical assessment. Severe neck pain following significant trauma should also be medically assessed.

Optimum Spine Centre is located at 1212 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2UA. We see patients with neck pain from Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff, Hadleigh, Benfleet, Rayleigh and surrounding areas. You can book an appointment online or call us on 01702 710084.