What Causes Chronic Neck Pain

At Sports and Spinal Physio we see a lot of neck pain! Chronic neck pain can be both frustrating and debilitating, affecting everything from daily activities to your quality of sleep.

For older adults and individuals dealing with chronic pain, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes.

Several factors can contribute to persistent neck pain, including:

Neck Alignment Issues

Poor posture—often from sitting at desks, hunching over devices, or improper sleeping positions—can lead to misalignment in the cervical spine (the upper part of the spine). This places extra strain on the muscles and joints of the neck.

Cervical Herniated Disc

When a disc in the cervical spine bulges or prolapses, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that may extend into the shoulders or arms.

Cervical Spondylosis

This is a common age-related condition where the joints and discs in the neck wear down, leading to stiff neck, pain, and limited movement. It is one of the leading causes of chronic neck discomfort in older adults.

Neck Injury

A previous neck injury, such as whiplash from a car accident, can result in chronic pain if not properly treated. Even mild injuries can lead to long-term issues like neck muscle strain and tension. If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s important to remember that effective treatment is available, and physiotherapy is one of the best ways to address the root cause of these problems.

Latest Research: Physiotherapy Treatments for Chronic Neck Pain

Research highlights the effectiveness of physiotherapy for conditions like neck pain, cervical spondylosis, and cervical herniated discs. According to a 2023 study in the Journal of Physiotherapy, patients who engaged in regular neck exercises and manual therapy experienced significant pain relief and improved function.

Physiotherapy combines neck alignment correction, neck muscle strain treatment, and posture education to restore mobility and reduce stiffness.

Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage, are highly effective at relieving pain and restoring proper function in the cervical spine.

For more complex disc related neck pain we recommend IDD Therapy

Weekly Exercise Tip: Improve Neck Mobility

Regularly practicing neck exercises can help alleviate pain and improve flexibility.

Here’s a simple exercise that can be done daily:
Chin Tucks:
1. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders relaxed.
2. Slowly pull your chin back towards your spine, ensuring you maintain proper neck
alignment. Aim to stack your head on your neck and your neck on your spine.
3.It should feel comfortable – Don’t strain the neck
4. Hold for 5 seconds, then release.
5. Repeat 10 times, twice daily.

This exercise strengthens the deep muscles of the neck, alleviating issues caused by poor posture or neck muscle strain. Try to do this at your desk, while driving or even at the gym while exercising

Interested in Professional Help?
If you’re experiencing neck pain from conditions like cervical spondylosis, a cervical herniated disc, or even a past neck injury, our physiotherapists at Sports and Spinal Physio can help.

We create personalised treatment plans to improve neck alignment, restore movement, and alleviate pain.

Whether your dealing with a stiff neck or chronic discomfort, book a free 15 minute phone consultation today to start your journey toward recovery.

Stay active, stay pain-free, and take control of your neck health!
Dan Smith and All the Team at Sports and Spinal Physio