Osteopath based in London » neck pain http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk PETE Q Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:12:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Whiplash http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk/self-diagnosis/whiplash http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk/self-diagnosis/whiplash#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:55:33 +0000 Pete http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk/?p=193 A whiplash injury involves the neck rapidly moving backwards and forwards past its normal range of motion.  Usually the injury is caused by a rear end or front end road traffic accident, but can also be caused by a fall or sports injury.  The injury damages the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck with the longus coli, sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae muscles the most commonly affected.  In more severe incidences joint sprains, bone fractures and nerve injury may occur.

Whiplash symptoms

The symptoms of whiplash usually develop 24-48 hours following injury and include:

  • Pain and stiffness (possibly severe) in the neck and shoulders
  • Muscle spasm
  • Reduced flexibility of neck
  • Headache
  • Swelling

In a more serious accident the following symptoms may occur.  If experienced immediate medical attention is required.

  • Unconsciousness
  • Loss of memory
  • Arm pain
  • Pain located directly on the spine
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Pins and needles, numbness, weakness in the arms or and legs

Whiplash self help

Medical assessment is required before undertaking the following advice.  Once you have received an all clear from medical staff you may:

  • Rest with avoidance of any strenuous activity
  • Gentle movement and stretching of the neck.  Stretching should not cause pain and should be done as soon as possible following injury
  • Anti-inflammatory medication (speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable product)

Whiplash physical therapy

  • Massage to alleviate muscle tension and spasm (important to restore normal circulation to muscles)
  • Improvement of posture to lessen strain on neck
]]> http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk/self-diagnosis/whiplash/feed 0 Myofascial Pain – Trigger Points http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk/self-diagnosis/myofascial-pain-trigger-points http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk/self-diagnosis/myofascial-pain-trigger-points#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:45:06 +0000 Pete http://www.osteopath-london.co.uk/?p=182 Trigger points are specific small areas of hypersensitive tight muscle tissue.  They often feel like a lump or knot within the muscle.  They are caused by injury, or more often long term repetitive strain.  Multiple muscle fibres become locked into a constantly tight and contracted state.  This persistent contraction compromises circulation and results in an accumulation of lactic acid and other waste products that cause chemical irriation and consequently pain.

Trigger Point Symptoms

  • A lump or knot within the muscle
  • Increased tension throughout the entire muscle in which the trigger point is located
  • Local pain
  • Pain that spreads across the back and possibly into the limbs.  This pain can be elicited when trigger point is pressed
  • Muscle twitching possible

Trigger Point Self Help

  • Stretching of the muscle in which the trigger point is located
  • Tennis ball self massage – lie flat on back and place a tennis ball under the trigger point for 30 seconds or more

Trigger Point Treatment

  • Deep tissue sports massage to break down knotted muscle fibres and improve circulation to the affected area
  • Sustained firm pressure applied to the trigger point with the thumb or elbow (Trigger point Therapy).   This technique is very similar Thai and Shiatsu massage techniques
  • Osteopathic spinal and postural analysis to identify the root cause of the repetitive strain causing the formation of the trigger point
  • Osteopathic manipulation to release “facilitated”restricted spinal joints that maybe overstimulating the muscle in which the trigger point is found
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