Neck pain is a common complaint that typically develops over time as a result of poor posture, normal wear and tear or unusual sleeping positions. Neck pain can also be due to an injury.Â
Osteopaths are experts in dealing with spinal and muscular issues, and osteopathy is an ideal treatment for many causes of neck pain. We are an experienced practice with clinics in Looe, Saltash and Millbrook, providing skilled treatment for neck pain and related conditions, including back pain clinic and sports injury clinic services.
Our expert practitioners are easily within reach from Plymouth, Torpoint, Tideford and Kingsand, and booking an appointment is made quick and simple through our online booking system.
Seven vertebrae, called C1 to C7, comprise the neck, or the cervical spine. It connects the base of the skull to the thoracic spine, which consists of 12 vertebrae and is located in the upper and middle back.
Ligaments, muscles and tendons stabilise and strengthen the seven vertebrae, providing them with mobility and support. A vertebral disc provides cushioning, while the neck also has two facet joints, which provide forwards, backwards and twisting motions.
Osteopaths are able to help with a wide range of complaints including aches and pains, minor injuries, and chronic conditions. If you’re not sure whether we can help in your case, please contact us for a free telephone consultation.Â
Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, occurs when there is an issue in the cervical spine. Typically, this occurs when overuse or overextension leads to straining or spraining a ligament, muscle or tendon, causing discomfort, pain or soreness. There are various types of neck pain including:
Acute neck pain is when soreness comes and goes more quickly and generally lasts less than four weeks. Longer-lasting chronic neck pain can remain for months or more. If you are suffering from neck pain and have any questions regarding our treatments, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Acute neck pain is typically caused by:
Chronic neck pain is generally caused by deeper underlying conditions, such as:
Registered with the General Osteopathic Council and Institute of Osteopathy
Neck pain symptoms can range from a persistent ache, either in a specific area or across the entire region, a stabbing or burning pain, or even a shooting pain through the neck.
Other issues include stiffness or restricted mobility, especially when turning or nodding the head. Headaches can also occur, while physical neck issues can also cause numbness or tingles in the shoulders and arms.
If you are suffering from neck pain and would like to discuss your symptoms and whether osteopathic treatment can help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Whilst we all suffer from the occasional stiff neck, if the problem doesn’t go away after a few days or if you find yourself regularly in pain, come and see us. We are able to provide you with an accurate medical diagnosis and explain the most appropriate treatment plan for your case. Osteopaths are also trained primary care practitioners, meaning we are able to refer you to the correct service if osteopathy is not the most appropriate treatment in your case, or for further diagnostic scans if necessary.
At your appointment your osteopath will give you time to explain the problem, before moving on to a thorough examination of the affected area and of your general biomechanics. We will normally be able to give you an immediate diagnosis and treatment and you will normally notice an improvement from your first session.
Osteopaths use a range of physical therapy techniques including direct spinal manipulation, dry needling (also known as medical or western acupuncture) and soft tissue techniques such as deep tissue massage and myofascial release.
Following your initial examination and diagnosis, your osteopath will explain the most appropriate treatment modalities for your particular problem. If you have not experienced a particular treatment before your osteopath will explain and demonstrate it to you, and you are free to refuse any treatment you are not comfortable with (i.e. if you don’t like needles).
Booking is easy using our online system, allowing you to select a convenient appointment time and practitioner and reserve your appointment online.
Our Looe clinic is accessible from Liskeard, Polperro and Menheniot, while our central Saltash practice serves areas including Plymouth and Tideford comfortably. Millbrook, close to Torpoint and the Rame Peninsula, is a peaceful clinic with car parking.
All our practitioners are fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council and Institute of Osteopathy. Our friendly staff are here to help, so if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Spine health information sheet all about neck pain
Healthline factsheet on neck pain symptoms and more serious neck pain
NHS guide on neck problems, including advice on sleeping positions
We have two welcoming and conveniently situated clinics
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Yvonne Cosbie BOst BSc, osteopath and clinical director, Whole Body Osteopathy.
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