A long time ago as humans evolved to walk on two legs our cervical spines adapted to support our heads in the upright position.  The cervical spine which consists of seven vertebrae muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and vital organs, needs to move freely to support the head, (which weighs about 3 kilos), and allow us to look straight ahead.

As an osteopath according to our first principle “The body is a unit” I am interested in seeing how other parts of the body may contribute to neck pain.

I am often using my hands to examine and release tension in the upper and middle ribs, upper and lower back and pelvis before working on the neck. My aim is to improve other areas that support good function of the neck and help the whole body feel and move better.

Techniques I may use include soft tissue, inhibition and stretching of tight muscles, articulation of joints of the neck, ribs, shoulders and upper back and neural release of specific cervical nerves and their surrounding layers or dura.

Things that may contribute to neck problems include:

• Sustained neck postures such as looking down at mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
• Slouching and poor sitting posture
• Poor work ergonomics particularly to do with using computers.
• Excessive overhead lifting of weights.

Things that may assist good neck function include:

• Attending to posture, head neck shoulders in line.
• Regular walking heel to toe.
• Shoulder rolls and upper back stretches.
• Avoiding wearing high heels.

Aches and pains difficulty turning your head backing the car, sciatica, stiff back, sore knees and headaches. These are some problems of getting older and you may be told that nothing can be done about it.

Osteopathy is a treatment modality that is ideal for seniors.

Treatment for involves questioning about ongoing and new complaints as well as assessment of walking and joint movements such as hips shoulders, elbows and knees.  Gentle stretching and soft tissue work may substantially ease tightness and discomfort in muscles surrounding painful joints. Gently moving joints around and encouraging them to move a little further as well as techniques to release the peripheral nerves may help relieve pain and improve mobility and balance.

Here are some conditions that may be helped by osteopathy

• Stiffness and immobility.
• Sciatica and nerve referral to the arms and hands.
• Weakness in one leg, arm or hand.
• Difficulty with daily tasks, walking and driving.
• Pain in the neck, back, hips, knees ankles shoulders.
• Headaches and sleeping problems.
• Digestive disorders, reflux constipation and bloating.
• Problems after surgery.