“Chronic Neck pain” refers to neck pain that has been present for a long period of time, anywhere from months to decades. It is often the result of an initial injury that has never recovered due to improper management, or as a result of the degeneration of important load-bearing structures (such as discs) over time.
Chronic neck pain is commonly contributed to by poor sitting, standing or sleeping postures, sustained positions, repetitive loading, heavy or recurrent lifting, bending, twisting or prolonged neck activities.
It is important to recognise the source and cause of chronic neck pain to understand exactly what is involved and how best to reduce and eliminate this pain. There may often be a multitude of factors involved in chronic pain that must be acknowledged and addressed such as:
✓ Musculoskeletal dysfunctions
Damage, deterioration, imbalance, inactivity, mal-adaptations and improper functioning of important structures and tissues such as discs, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
✓ Neural dysfunctions
Changes in both the nerves as they relay messages about pain and control the function of important stabilising muscles, as well as the way the central nervous system itself interprets pain, the location & intensity of pain and associated compensatory patterns.
✓ Systemic conditions
Genetic markers in the blood, infections or disease processes can contribute towards inflammatory processes in the back that can cause pain, without any history of injury or musculoskeletal degeneration.
✓ Psychological state
The way you perceive your pain, your level of stress, and negative patterns or situations that influence poor healing of tissues or poor neural patterning can complicate your recovery.
It is vital that a thorough and complete assessment is undertaken to identify all components and a detailed, specific treatment and management plan is accurately administered to successfully settle your pain, fast-track your recovery, and avoid the risk of future injury or complications - the wrong management can set you back a long way.
It is important for you to understand that chronic pain is a process (not an injury anymore) and that it will take time for your body to eliminate or reverse many dysfunctions that currently exist – this must be a conscious management decision from you however we will assist every step of the way.
For more information or to have a specialised Elite Physiotherapist accurately assess and successfully treat your pain, Call Us Now on 3394 4489 to make an appointment or request to speak to one of our friendly Therapists for more detailed advice related to your pain.
