Neck pain

Neck pain can affect movement, work, sleep, and daily functioning. Osteopathic treatment for neck pain focuses on examining the connections between different parts of the body. This involves looking not only at the neck itself, but also at areas that may influence movement and tension around the neck.

How can osteopathy help with neck pain?

When treating neck problems, an osteopath assesses the body’s range of motion and overall alignment. The neck does not function in isolation. The upper back, shoulders, ribs, jaw, and pelvis, for example, can all play a role in how the body moves and distributes tension.

During an osteopathic examination, the practitioner assesses which structures may be contributing to the onset or persistence of the symptoms. The treatment is tailored to the findings of the examination.

 

What are the possible causes of neck pain?

Neck pain can have various causes. Sometimes it develops after a sudden, awkward movement, maintaining the same posture for a long time, or a period of high stress. It can also develop gradually without any single, clear cause.

Possible factors include:

• sitting for long periods of time or working in the same position;
• uneven distribution;
• tension and stress;
• limited mobility of the neck or upper back;
• symptoms involving the shoulders or jaw;
• a previous injury or accident.

It is not always possible to pinpoint a single cause. That is why an osteopath looks at the body as a whole.

 

Neck Pain, Upper Back, and Shoulders

The neck, upper back, and shoulders work closely together. When mobility changes in one area, it can affect the way other parts of the body move and absorb stress.

In osteopathy, therefore, the examination is not limited to the neck. The upper back, shoulders, and ribs may also be included in the examination.

 

Neck Pain and Tension

Stress can manifest physically. For example, some people notice that they hunch their shoulders, tense their neck, or move less freely when they are under a lot of stress.

For neck problems in which tension appears to play a role, an osteopath can examine how different parts of the body are interconnected. This involves looking at the physical aspects of the problem.

 

Neck pain after a sudden, awkward movement

One wrong move can cause sudden neck pain. The neck may feel stiff, and it may be temporarily more difficult to move it.

In cases of acute or severe neck pain, it is important to first assess whether there is a reason to contact your family doctor. When osteopathic treatment is appropriate, the examination and treatment are tailored to the specific situation.

 

Long-term or recurring neck pain

When neck pain recurs frequently or persists for an extended period, it may be helpful to look beyond just the area where the pain is felt.

An osteopath assesses the range of motion and the interrelationships between different parts of the body. Based on this assessment, the osteopath determines which areas require attention.

 

How does an osteopath examine neck pain?

A treatment session begins with a discussion about your symptoms, their origin, and factors that may be influencing them. This is followed by a physical examination, which includes an assessment of your posture, movement, and the range of motion in various parts of the body.
The neck is particularly important in this regard, but depending on the symptom, the upper back, shoulders, ribs, jaw, pelvis, and other structures may also be examined.

 

What does treatment involve?

An osteopathic treatment consists of manual techniques tailored to the findings of the examination.

The treatment is aimed at improving range of motion and supporting the body’s overall balance. The techniques used vary depending on the individual and the specific condition.

After treatment, your body may need some time to respond. The osteopath will discuss with you what to expect after the treatment.

 

When should you see an osteopath for neck pain?

You may want to consider seeing an osteopath if you have neck pain:

• come back regularly;
• be present for an extended period of time;
• limit your daily activities;
• accompanied by tension or stiffness;
• affect movement or sleep.

An osteopath will first determine whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate for your symptoms.

 

When should you see your family doctor first?

If you experience sudden, severe, or unexplained symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice first.
For example, contact your primary care physician if you experience severe pain after an accident, loss of strength, sensory disturbances, or other symptoms that concern you.
If in doubt, it is always recommended that you contact your family doctor first.

 

Personalized Care for Your Neck Pain

Every complaint and every body is different. That is why osteopathic treatment begins with a personalized consultation and examination.

At Hogewoning Osteopathy, we examine the interconnections within the body and the factors that may be contributing to your neck pain. The treatment is then tailored to your individual situation.

In osteopathic treatment for neck pain, we look not only at the area where the pain is felt, but also at how it relates to the shoulders, upper back, breathing, and movement patterns.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain

 

Can an osteopath help with neck pain?

Osteopathy can be used to treat various types of neck problems. The osteopath first examines the problem and its connection to other parts of the body, and then discusses whether treatment is appropriate.

 

Does an osteopath only treat the neck?

No. When treating neck pain, other areas may also be examined, such as the upper back, shoulders, ribs, or jaw. The exact approach depends on the symptoms and the findings during the examination.

Yes. If symptoms recur, it may be helpful to investigate which factors might be contributing to them. The osteopath will examine the mobility and coordination of various parts of the body.

 

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies from person to person. This depends, among other things, on the nature and duration of the symptoms and on how the body responds to the treatment.

 

Can I see an osteopath if I have acute neck pain?

If you have acute or severe neck pain, it is important to first determine whether a medical examination is necessary. If you are unsure, it is best to contact your primary care physician.

A referral from your primary care physician is generally not required to schedule an appointment with an osteopath. During the initial consultation, we will discuss whether osteopathy is appropriate for your symptoms.

 

Schedule an appointment for neck pain

Do you live in Katwijk, Rijnsburg, Valkenburg, or the surrounding area and would you like to have your neck pain evaluated? Hogewoning Osteopathy offers personalized osteopathic assessments.