Neck and Back Pain

  • Neck and back strain
    Occurs when the back/neck is placed in a wrong position during certain activity such as driving long distances, or sleeping in the wrong posture. This causes tension on the joints and ligaments and can produce protective muscle spasms, pain and stiffness. This is usually a sudden onset condition which responds quickly to therapy and conservative management.
  • Postural problems
    This usually develops over time as muscle imbalances occur due to a variety of factors. These muscle imbalances keep the neck/back in an abnormal position and can cause pain and headaches. Click here for “Posture” education and advice.
  • whiplash
  • Whiplash
    Involves an uncontrolled fast movement of the head and usually occurs in car accidents. The uncontrolled movement leads to the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, discs and nerves) to overstretch and can result in tears. This produces bleeding and inflammation in the tissues. The joints can also be compressed resulting in joint inflammation and in severe cases, fractures. It is essential that X- Rays be done after any suspected whiplash.

  • Slipped disc
    The discs between the bones consist of a jelly like substance and act as a shock absorber in the spine. If the disc gets injured due to abnormal positions or forces, the jelly can leak out and put pressure on the nerve, which is then called a pinched nerve. This can cause pain and/or numbness down the arm/leg or into the hand with weakness or certain movements.

    In severe cases it can cause loss of bladder and bowel control, difficulty with swallowing (neck), difficulty
    walking or decreased sensation in the pelvic area. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your
    doctor IMMEDIATELY.

  • Post-surgery and other spinal conditions
    Any disc replacement or fusion surgery will need to be followed by some kind of physiotherapy to decrease pain and improve movement. A specific protocol will be followed depending on the nature of the surgery or injury. Other conditions include:
  • spondylolithesis (slipped vertebra)
  • spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing)
  • facet joint degeneration/spondylosis