Making NECK manipulation less risky - with careful and considered techniques

Neck pain affects almost everyone during their life.  Sometimes it gradually builds up due to postural stiffness – Common in the work place.

Other cases, happen from carrying children, doing the shopping, play sports, sitting and reading on a holiday sun-bed, or as a result of a car accident – rear shunt and Whiplash.

There are many Chiropractors, Physiotherapists & Osteopaths -  all offering different approaches to try and assist neck pain and stiffness.

As Osteopaths we always take a full medical history and precise and detailed hands on examination before we perform any treatment!

Once any RED flags are excluded and IF spinal neck manipulation is deemed appropriate and useful for the patients’ complaint, the nature of the procedure is then explained fully to the patient.

Any indication of structural abnormality or history of recent trauma or past severe trauma may rule out manipulation. Other techniques such as articulation and soft tissue may be useful as a first line of treatment.

The manipulation Osteopaths use specifically involves loosening the spinal joints to improve movement and is often preceded by soft tissue work into the muscles.

The manipulation itself is done using gentle hands-on contact and combines minimal multi-directional levers thereby reducing rotational forces and avoiding extending the neck.

The low-amplitude impulse applied, most often in side bending and flexion help minimise risks- this is the style of manipulation Osteopaths favour.

At all stages the hands of the professional osteopath guide the tensions required to achieve the specific changes to function the patient needs to improve their neck complaint.

Whatever choice you make, always ensure your patients are in good hands.

Body Back-Up Osteopaths are trained for four years to degree level and registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and fully insured as primary health care professionals.