This page describes 5 of the most common neck injuries that we see in our clinics. These injuries can be sustained in a number of ways, from sporting injuries and road traffic collisions to trips and falls or as a result of biomechanical abnormalities. Please have a read through the conditions listed and if you have any concerns that you may be suffering with any of the symptoms described, or anything that sounds similar, then please give one of our clinics a call to arrange an assessment appointment with no obligation for follow-up on 0113 257 8594

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a common age related condition caused by degeneration or “wear and tear” of the vertebrae and discs in the neck. As we age our discs lose fluid naturally which causes them to become stiff resulting in pain and reduced range of movement.

Risk Factors:

• Ageing, most commonly becomes symptomatic in people above the age of 30.
• History of neck injury
• Poor posture

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain
• Stiffness or reduced range of movement
• Headaches
• Pain and/or pins and needles into the arms

Treatment:

• Exercise
• Strengthening
• Acupuncture
• Manual therapy
• Coping strategies
• Rest from aggravating factors

Cervical Disc Herniation

Disc herniation is less common; causes include 1) aging whereby the disc loses fluid causing tears to appear or, 2) a neck injury which causes a tear.  If there is a tear in the outer part of the disc it can lead to displacement of the disc which encroaches the space occupied by nerves, often pressing on the nerves.

Risk Factors:

• Aging
• Neck injury

Signs and Symptoms:

• Neck, shoulder, arm or chest pain
• Numbness and/or Pins and Needles
• Upper limb weakness

Treatment:

• Exercise
• Strengthening
• Manual therapy
• Acupuncture
• Coping strategies
• Rest from aggravating factors

Cervicogenic Headaches

The term ‘cervicogenic headache’ means pain that is referred to the head from either the bony or soft structures of the neck (ie. generated by the cervical spine).  The cervical nerves innervate (supply nerves to) various regions of the head; therefore, if there is an issue (e.g. tightness in the neck joints or muscles) it can refer pain into these areas of the head.  Pain can be referred to the front of the head and even around the eyes.

Risk Factors:

• Altered/poor neck posture
• Awkward or sustained neck positions
• Women more commonly affected than men

Signs and Symptoms:

• Headaches – often one sided but can be both sides
• Neck pain often dull in nature
• Reduced neck range of movement
• Migraine type symptoms e.g. dizziness or nausea
• Trigger points in the soft tissue of the neck
• Worse with neck extension

Treatment:

• Manual therapy e.g. mobilisations/manipulations
• Soft tissue massage/release
• Posture re-education
• Sleep advice
• Coping strategies
• Acupuncture
• Home exercise programme

Cervical fracture (‘Broken Neck’)

A cervical spine fracture is a medical emergency.  If you think you might have a neck fracture then you must seek medical attention immediately.  If not treated then it can lead to long-term problems (as extreme as paralysis) but often people make a good recovery with correct treatment.  Most fractures are caused by a road traffic collision, fall or violent sports injury such as those sustained playing rugby, wrestling or ice hockey whereby there has been a forceful blow or rotation of the neck. However, fractures can occur during non-contact sports such as power lifting, diving or skiing where strong forces are applied to the neck.

Risk Factors:

• More commonly seen in males
• Age 18-25 years
• Participating in sport
• Road Traffic Collision or fall

Signs and Symptoms:

• Excruciating neck pain
• Reduced range of movement
• Weakness
• Numbness

Treatment:

• Initially immobilised and not moved until a medical professional completed a neurological assessment.
• CT and MRI scans to identify the level affected
• Dependent on the type of fracture you might have a period of time wearing a collar or for more complex fractures you may require surgery (decompression).

Once the fracture has healed, physiotherapy treatment can start and this will include:

• Exercise to regain movement and strength
• Soft tissue massage
• Posture re-education
• Advice and education