Neck Pain / Back Pain / Sciatica / Bulging Disc

Neck pain and back pain are common conditions like sciatica or bulging disc that can cause discomfort and affect your daily life. The neck is the upper part of your spine, located in the area between your head and shoulders, while the back includes the middle and lower parts of your spine. Neck and back pain can have a significant impact on people's lives, both physically and emotionally. Chronic pain can cause limited mobility, poor sleep, emotional distress such as anxiety and depression, and decreased participation in activities you once enjoyed. Workplace productivity can also be affected, causing missed days of work, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Seeking medical attention early on can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. A healthcare professional can work with you to identify the underlying cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, helping you to regain your mobility, improve your sleep, and reduce your pain.

• Muscle strain or sprain
• sciatica
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Scoliosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Whiplash injury
• Poor posture
• Pinched nerves
• Osteoporosis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Traumatic injury or fracture
• Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck)
• Lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the lower back)
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Spinal cord injury
• Tension headaches
• Meningitis
• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
• Tumors or cysts in the spine or surrounding tissues
• Paget's disease of bone
• Referred pain from internal organs (such as heart, lungs, or kidneys)
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Piriformis syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Discitis (inflammation of the intervertebral disc)

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other conditions that could be causing your neck and back pain. A healthcare professional can help you identify the underlying cause of your pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Some possible causes that can lead to the conditions listed previously that may be relevant to neck and back pain:

• Muscle strain or sprain - sudden or overuse of physical activity, poor posture, lifting heavy objects improperly, and accidents.
• Herniated or bulging discs - degenerative changes in the spine due to age, injury or trauma to the spine, or repetitive strain.
• Degenerative disc disease - wear and tear on the spinal discs over time.
• Spinal stenosis - degenerative changes to the spine, herniated discs, spinal injuries or trauma, or genetic factors.
• Osteoarthritis - degenerative changes in the spine due to age or wear and tear.
• Spondylolisthesis - a condition where one vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below it due to degenerative changes, injury, or congenital abnormalities.
• Scoliosis - a curvature of the spine, which can be due to congenital abnormalities or idiopathic (unknown) causes.
• Fibromyalgia - a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tender points throughout the body.
• Whiplash injury - usually caused by car accidents or physical trauma that leads to rapid neck movements.
• Poor posture - prolonged sitting or standing in one position, hunching over a computer or mobile device, and carrying heavy bags.
• Pinched nerves - can be due to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or other conditions that compress nerves in the spine.
• Osteoporosis - a condition where bones become brittle and weak, which can lead to fractures in the spine.
• Ankylosing spondylitis - a type of arthritis that affects the spine and pelvis, causing stiffness and pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and can affect the spine.
• Traumatic injury or fracture - can be due to car accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

It's important to note that these are only possible causes, and that the underlying cause of your neck and back pain may be different. A healthcare professional can help identify the specific cause of your pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Our physiotherapist at Eveleigh can be an effective treatment option for neck pain and back pain. A physiotherapist can help you address the underlying cause of your pain and develop an individualised treatment plan to help you reduce your pain and improve your function.

Here are some specific ways that physiotherapy can help with neck and back pain:

• Manual therapy: A physiotherapist can use techniques such as massage, mobilization, or manipulation to help relieve pain and improve mobility in the neck and shoulder.
• Exercise therapy: A physiotherapist can design an exercise program tailored to your specific needs and goals. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in the neck and shoulder, which can reduce pain and improve function.
• Posture correction: Poor posture can contribute to neck and shoulder pain. A physiotherapist can help you identify and correct postural problems, which can reduce pain and improve function.
• Education: A physiotherapist can provide education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics, which can help reduce the risk of future neck and shoulder pain.
• Modalities: A physiotherapist may also use modalities such as ultrasound, heat, or ice to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Overall, physiotherapy can help address the underlying causes of neck and shoulder pain, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve function and mobility. A healthcare professional can help determine if physiotherapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.