The vast majority of the population will suffer from some form of neck pain at some point in life and frequently multiple episodes. Neck pain can often have other associated symptoms, such as upper back and shoulder pain. Equally, tension headaches and migraines can also occur alongside the other mentioned symptoms.
A combination of factors can play a part in the occurrence of neck pain and other associated symptoms. Such factors can relate to the work environment, home or habitual behaviours and even stress. Pain may only become apparent at work, and yet the cause of the issue may relate to something external to work. Unresolved, injuries can frequently cause problems at a later date, mainly if never addressed due to the adaptions the body makes, due to injury.
The demands of modern-day life and the amount of time spent using smart devices has certainly increased demands on the musculoskeletal system. Terms such as “Text Neck” have become popular as a means of explaining the increasing number of people suffering from neck pain-related symptoms. The article “Neck Pain - a Myotherapist's perspective” offers some strategies to help limit the occurrences of neck pain, along with some of the injury mechanisms.
About the author
As of December 31st 2020, the author chose to leave the Chiropractic profession and pursue studies within the Physiotherapy field. He no longer works as a Chiropractor and works as a Myotherapist in Morningside, Brisbane. The author possesses an unusual background for somebody who trained as a Chiropractor (McTimoney). His education, training, and practical experience span over two decades and relate to health's physical and mental aspects. He has also needed to push his own body and mind to the limits of physical and psychological endurance as part of his time serving in Britain's elite military forces. His education includes a bachelor of science degree in Business Management, with a specialisation in psychology and mental health in the workplace, an Integrated Masters in Chiropractic, MChiro and a multitude of soft-tissue therapy qualifications. His soft tissue qualifications range from certificate level right through to a BTEC Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy. Terry also has extensive experience in security, work, health and safety and holds relevant certifications. He has also taught as a senior course coach at Advanced Diploma level (Myotherapy / Musculoskeletal Therapy) in Australia, both theoretical and practical aspects including advanced Myofascial Release Techniques and has certification in training and assessment. Terry will have taught many of the first students to train as Myotherapists in Brisbane. Terry's combination of knowledge through education, training, elite military service, and personal injury history has paid dividends for the patients he sees and has treated over the last 15 years. He has extensive experience treating chronic pain and work and sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Terry is still very active and enjoys distance running, kayaking, mountain biking and endurance-type activities.