Headaches affect millions of people each year. Your GP is normally the first port of call for such problems, however many headaches arise from the upper part of the neck. It is quite common following whiplash injuries to develop headaches and neck problems simultaneously. Gentle physiotherapy can help in conjunction with postural advice. There also may be a need to check the position of computer desk and seat either at work or at home.

 

 

 

 

Lower Back Pain

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Low back pain affects over 80% of adults. Most acute back problems can resolve over a 3 month period but unfortunately many of these re-occur at some future date. The classification of non-specific low back pain is a label often attached to lumbar problems. Such injuries are usually due to a mechanical failure (lifting and twisting simultaneously). The nerves which run to the pelvis and legs are sometimes affected, the most common being the sciatic nerve (sciatica). Treatment is directed towards pain relief such as electrotherapy and acupuncture, mobilisation of spinal joints, massage to relax muscles in spasm and core stability exercises to help stabilise the area. Your practitioner will pay attention to your sitting and standing posture and may ask you to describe your work station or work environment.

 

 

 

 

Cervical (neck) pain is extremely common. It can vary from dull to sharp, intermittent or constant pain and loss of movement. Everyone knows that severe whiplash injuries cause neck problems but many pain syndromes can be due to gradual wear within the structures of the spine. These can be made worse by poor posture, poor working position, bio-mechanical changes such as driving long distances, sporting collisions and falls. Treatment of soft tissue and gentle mobilisation can bring about improvement of range of movement and reduction of pain.