Neck Soreness is a common complaint seen by health professionals, especially by physiotherapists.
Neck Soreness can be caused by tension in the muscles of the neck.
Professions that required minimal movement or being stuck in one position for an extended period of time (for example: office workers, tradesman or teachers) are people who are more likely to suffer from neck soreness, pain and neck tension.
Stress can also be a trigger – many people carry their stress in their neck and shoulders
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Tightness in the muscles of your neck and shoulders
- Soreness and restriction of neck movement
- Slumped posture – including Tight Chest Muscles, Rolled Shoulders and Stiff and Tight Mid to Upper Back
If your symptoms include significant pain down your arms, please see your GP as soon as possible.
To help treat Neck Soreness or Neck Tension, the following steps can be taken:
Treatment
- Physiotherapy – your physiotherapist will help you find the cause of your neck tension. Physiotherapy techniques like joint mobilisation, stretching, dry needling and massage can help
- Massage – can help relieve neck tightness and is also a relaxing experience
Self-Management
- Specific stretching and exercises that your physiotherapist has prescribed for you
- Heat packs or hot water bottles to relax your tight muscles
- Exercise – maintaining any physical activity ranging from swimming, walking, running, jogging and gym workouts
- Posture correction techniques will take the tension off your tight upper shoulder muscles. Your physiotherapist can assist with posture correction techniques
If you are experiencing neck soreness or neck tension, or if you are interested in learning specific stretching, exercises or correct posture techniques, please make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists at Mount Barker or North Adelaide so we can get you back on track fast!
David Wilson myPhysioSA Partner Physiotherapist
