04/06/2023
Crook Neck!!
The dreaded neck problem. You can’t turn your head around, you cant bend forwards, you can’t sleep and you’re still driving!! It’s a good job you still have the use of one of your arms, considering the other one has been numb for the last week, and you can’t even pick up a drink!?
And you are worried about an osteopath looking at your neck to treat it properly…well, that’s why we go through 4 years of dedicated training, tutoring, practice, essays, exams and practical assessments before we are allowed to even touch a patient outside of university.
When we assess the cervical region, we have a lot to consider; has there been an accident, any fractures, are there any headaches, what is the range of movement like with or without pain; are any muscles too tight limiting movement or are they just tender to touch? We also look at the top of the upper back for the junction between the thoracic spine and the neck. We review the ribs and their movements, is one shoulder higher than the other or protracted forwards more than the other one? Do we need to do special medical tests on the cranial nerves; test the muscles ability to contract in the arms or even use something called a ‘Quadrant test’ to try and determine if there may or may not be a disc condition?
After all of the necessary tests and movement screens, the treatment can begin, with the patients consent. This may include joint traction to release compression, articulation to aid in regaining natural movement patterns, manipulations to relieve restricted facet joints, muscle energy techniques to help muscles regain their natural smooth motion of contraction and relaxation. Do the ribs need manipulating back into place and does the upper back need treating to help the neck sit correctly on top of the spine. This is all done with careful precision and timing to alleviate the pressures in the neck and help the patient feel more relaxed and regain their full and normal range of movement.
If this sounds like something you need, or know of someone who might need, then simply message me on 07747238391 now to book an appointment.