Acute neck pain can be described as real or perceived damage of the neck joints, intervertebral discs, muscles, nerves, tendons or ligaments that have been present for less than 3 months. There can be many causes of acute neck pain including facet joint sprain, damage to the intervertebral disc (bulge or protrusion), ligamentous damage and whiplash, radicular pain (nerve irritation) and generalised muscle strains.
Acute neck pain presents in the back of the neck and may spread down to the shoulders or up to the top of the neck and into the skull. Pain may be exacerbated by neck movements and if the nerves become affected there may be symptoms (pain, burning, or tingling) that extend down the arm and into the hands and fingers.
The treatment of acute neck pain can be highly variable depending on who you see. Sydney Muscle & Joint Physio Penrith is an evidence based practice whereby the physiotherapists use techniques proven to work. This means they follow best practice guidelines and are guided by the latest physiotherapy research. This includes an impairments based management approach, which means treating you and your symptoms rather than a diagnosis. The treatment of pain, joint stiffness and muscular tightness associated with acute neck pain needs to be multi-modal, meaning the use of a variety of techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a physiotherapist?
If you are able to identify signs and symptoms such as persistent pain, numbness or tingling in the arms, weakness, or have difficulty moving your neck, a physiotherapist can help manage these impairments and improve your quality of life. You do not need a referral from a GP, however, your physiotherapist may refer you to your doctor if they feel you need additional support.
How will my physiotherapist treat my acute neck pain?
At your first appointment with your physiotherapist, they will conduct a thorough evaluation and perform a physical examination to determine your impairments. If there are any red flags identified, you may be referred to a specialist for further examination and review. To manage pain and stiffness we use joint mobilisations, soft tissue techniques and myofascial release to improve mobility of your neck. Following this, active range of motion exercises will be given to improve mobility and reduce stiffness. Strengthening the muscles of the neck through isometric exercises progressing to more functional exercises including your surrounding muscles will reduce the risk of reinjury. Throughout your treatment, feedback on posture and education on activity modification and home exercises will be given to ensure long-lasting results.
How long does acute neck pain last and when will I feel better?
This is relevant to each person and will depend on the extent of the injury, access to early intervention, age and overall health, activity level and adherence to treatment. For minor injury, many people improve in 2-7 days. For moderate disc protrusions to severe arthritic changes, this can increase to 6-12 weeks and may involve more intense physiotherapy to manage your impairments. For persistent acute neck pain, such as if it is left untreated or if there is a more severe underlying issue, the timeframe to recovery can increase to more than a month.