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Osteopathy Therapeutic massage
Tel: 01621 842 750
2 & 4 Kings Head Centre, Maldon, Essex CM9 5PN
Registered
Osteopaths
The Courtyard Clinic was established in 2000 and over the past 12 years has successfully treated
thousands of patients with a range of conditions. Our Male and Female
practitioners are registered with the General Osteopathic Council and
undergo continuous training in order to maintain standards and stay at the
forefront of the profession.
We are located in the heart of Maldon adjacent to the White Horse car park
and our team aim to provide the best possible care in pleasant surroundings.
If you wish to discuss an injury or treatment, please contact us.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Patrick Murphy and The Courtyard Clinic Osteopathic Team
If you have ever experienced neck or shoulder pain, you will know how it
can disrupt everyday activities.
Pain in these areas is usually caused by damage to the soft tissues – the
muscles, ligaments and tendons. Neck pain and sometimes shoulder pain,
can also be caused when the neck joints become irritated.
How can the cause of my pain be diagnosed?
There are seven vertebrae in the neck (the cervical vertebrae), these bony
building blocks of the spine are separated by discs and the nerves in the
neck run alongside them. As we get older changes in the structure of the
neck can occur causing stiffness, restricted movement and in some cases,
pinched nerves. A trauma such as whiplash or a sports injury may also
cause structural damage.
In diagnosing the cause of neck or shoulder pain it is important to review
the history of the symptoms. An osteopath will take note of any past injury
and the location, intensity, duration and radiation of the pain. Positions
or motions that relieve or aggravate the pain are also noted. The neck is
examined at rest and in motion and an examination of the nervous system
is performed to determine whether or not nerve involvement is present.
Have I got a trapped nerve?
Trapped nerves can cause a great deal of discomfort. Typically they can
cause pain in the shoulder, arm and upper back. In some cases tingling or
numbness can be felt in the hand and your arm can feel weak.
Can neck & shoulder problems cause headaches?
Headaches are very common with neck problems and are usually easily
resolved. However it is important to ascertain the exact cause of the
headache. Your Osteopath will take a very detailed medical history and
undertake specifi c tests to ensure that neck problems are the cause of your
symptoms. If your Osteopath feels that your headache is unrelated to
your neck pain you will be referred to your GP for further consultation.
Can I improve and maintain movement in my neck?
Many people visit our clinic when they are having trouble moving their
neck, particularly when driving, e.g. when reversing or turning their head at
junctions. In the vast majority of cases osteopathic treatment will improve
movement and fl exibility.
Hot or cold?
Generally, if you experience sudden shoulder or neck pain, use a cold
compress to the back of the neck or on to the shoulder for 10 minutes at a
time – frozen peas wrapped in a damp tea towel will do the job. This will
reduce infl ammation, which will help to reduce pain. Using a cold compress
is usually recommended following a sudden onset of pain for 2-3 days,
following this you should fi rst apply heat e.g. wheat bag or hot water bottle
for 10 mins followed by cold as above 3 times a day.
If the pain doesn’t get any better within 2 to 3 days a more in-depth
diagnosis and specifi c treatment may be required from your Osteopath. To
fi nd out how Osteopathy can help you contact The Courtyard Clinic on
01621 842750 or visit our website www.maldonosteopath.co.uk
Sports Injuries
Sports Massage
Cranial Osteopathy
www.maldonosteopath.co.uk
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