Are you one of the rare people who suffer from neck pain daily, especially after strenuous activity or work? You are not alone in experiencing pain all over your body; most people who have full-time jobs, compete in sports, or engage in other forms of vigorous physical activity do, too.
A wide variety of approaches are available in Singapore to address your injuries and discomfort. If you talk with a physiotherapist, they can suggest the appropriate treatment technique for your issues, freeing you from the need to be concerned about them any longer.
In the following paragraphs of this post, I will go into detail regarding manual therapy and how it can help you with the pain in your neck. To obtain the most information possible, read it through to the end.
Table of Contents
Why does Neck Pain Happen?
A discomfort in the back of the neck, which is the region of the upper spine just below the head, is referred to as neck pain. When particular nerves are irritated, the pain may radiate from the back of the neck to other parts of the body, including the upper back, shoulder, and arm.
Pain in the neck can be brought on by acute trauma, such as a fall, a sports injury, or an auto accident; it can also be brought on by abnormalities that have developed over time in the spine. Adults between the ages of thirty and fifty are most likely to experience neck pain.
According to several research findings, women are more prone than males to experience pain in the neck. Incorrect posture, being overweight, smoking, engaging in activities such as repetitive lifting, working in an office or at a computer, and engaging in physical exercise are all risk factors for neck pain.
Individuals who suffer from neck pain may find it challenging to carry out daily tasks such as working, driving, participating in sports, or even simply turning their heads. Most cases of neck pain do not call for surgical intervention and react most favourably to physical therapy. Therapists design individualised treatment plans to assist patients suffering from neck pain in reducing or eliminating discomfort, regaining normal movement, and return to their previous activities.
Manual therapy: why is it used?
While treating neck pain, manual therapy (also known as bodywork) is occasionally employed. Massage, joint mobilisation, and other forms of manual manipulation of the muscles, bones, and joints are all included in manual therapy.
If you have nerve-related issues that are either very severe or growing worse, you should not undergo manipulation. Consider the following factors first if you are considering manual treatment for neck pain:
- To begin, you should experiment with some at-home treatments, such as applying heat or ice, taking pain medication, and doing some stretching or exercise. These remedies could be the most effective in relieving the pain in your neck.
- Consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician if you are experiencing significant pain if your symptoms are worsening, or if you are experiencing new symptoms. It’s possible that manipulation isn’t the best treatment for you.
- An excellent manual therapy programme will incorporate self-care practices and strength training education.
- Choose a health care provider willing to cooperate with your other providers if you decide to see a health care provider who specialises in manual therapy and wants to do so.
The term “manual therapy” refers to any treatment performed primarily with the hands. Relaxation, a reduction in discomfort, and an increase in flexibility are all desirable outcomes of manual therapy. The following are examples of manual therapies:
Massage
The muscles and other soft body parts, such as the tendons, are subjected to pressure. Muscles can be relaxed with massage, which helps improve circulation and reduces pain in the soft tissues.
Mobilisation
The process of twisting, pulling, or pushing bones and joints into position requires slow and measured actions. This can assist in the release of tight tissues surrounding a joint, which can aid in improving flexibility and alignment.
Manipulation
A joint receives pressure from being compressed. The careful, controlled force used on the joint can range from being delicate to being forceful and sluggish to being very fast. Either using one’s hands or a specialised tool is acceptable here.
Professionals such as chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists, and physiotherapists provide several kinds of manual therapy (bodywork).
Final Thoughts
Carry out some research before trying out new things, especially if it involves your body. There are several distinct types of manual treatment. In addition, there is no reliable method for determining which aspects will be helpful and which will not be beneficial. If you do want to give it a shot, it is recommended that you consult with a few different manual therapy professionals before settling on one to treat you.