Neck Pain Relief in Auckland: How an Osteopath Can Help Treat and Prevent Chronic Discomfort
Most of us have experienced a pain in the neck! Neck pain and stiffness are very common and in some cases can be quite debilitating. Osteopathic treatment is highly effective as it releases tension and restriction in the neck itself and also addresses the root causes of neck dysfunction, allowing for long-lasting results.
The neck is a critical area of the body, acting as a support for the weight of the head, and as a pathway for nerves and blood vessels between the head and the rest of the body. Any misalignment in the neck can cause disruption to this connection and result in pain and discomfort.
Neck pain can also be associated with other symptoms, such as headaches, stiffness in the neck, shoulders or upper back, restriction in neck movement, and sometimes numbness or tingling in the arms.
Causes of neck pain
Neck pain can arise suddenly due to traumatic injuries such as whiplash, or can be the result of tension and dysfunction over a period of time, often due to repetitive occupational use.
Overusing neck muscles during strenuous activities can be a cause, as can straining your neck to view a computer screen for long periods. Poor posture and weak abdominal muscles can affect the alignment of the spine and contribute to neck pain. Neck muscles can also become tight due to stress and poor breathing patterns.
Sometimes neck dysfunction can be related to ageing, due to natural wear and tear to parts of the cervical spine.
The benefits of osteopathy for neck pain and dysfunction
Osteopaths offer a holistic approach, so we locate and treat the overall causes by addressing the whole body, rather than just the symptomatic area. We will closely examine and treat your neck itself, but also your head, spine and pelvis, or even your feet – essentially any part of the body that could be contributing to dysfunction in the neck. We address the underlying causes of pain, which can include muscular tension, misalignments, and imbalances in the skull and spine.
The biodynamic cranial approach used widely in our clinic is especially beneficial for neck issues because it is very gentle and calming, which reduces nervous system tension and increases respiratory function and blood flow to the tissues. Healing is promoted and inflammation reduces. Cranial treatment also allows gentle and subtle treatment of the skull, as well as the body as a whole. Constriction of muscles and connective tissue is released to reduce pain and improve mobility. Alignment is also improved, which reduces strain on neck muscles and joints.
Prevention of reoccurrence of symptoms is another important part of our osteopathic treatment approach. Part of our management plan will be to give practical advice about pain relief, such as the use of heat or cold therapy, exercise and stretching, and stress reduction techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga. If you need advice on a local yoga studio in Ponsonby, Westmere, Grey Lynn please speak with our team. We’ll also give recommendations for prevention of neck pain, like postural advice or adjustments to sleeping position, taking activity breaks during long periods of sitting, and avoiding carrying weight on the shoulders.
If you or a loved one are experiencing neck pain or stiffness, book an appointment with Health Within Osteopathy in Auckland to restore balance and optimal function.
References
- Fleischmann, Michael et al. (2024). Osteopathic management of non-specific neck pain: Preliminary findings from a cross sectional study of Australian osteopaths. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, Volume 51, 100706
- Cholewicki, Jacek et al. (2021). The effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment on pain and disablilty in patients with chronic neck pain: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. PM&R, Volume 14, Issue 12
