Neck Pain
August 25th, 2022
Michael Hale, Neuromuscular Therapist, Personal Trainer, Health Educator.
If you are experiencing undiagnosed pain, particularly but not exclusively deep, dull, and aching pain, it may be caused by myofascial trigger points. The pain felt from myofascial trigger points should not be underestimated, it can be equal to or greater in intensity compared to other pain syndromes in the head and neck.
Neck pain can be a common issue for many people, and it can have a variety of causes. The neck is a complex structure that includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, and pain in this area can result from problems in any of these structures.
Some common causes of neck pain include poor posture, muscle strains or sprains, whiplash from a car accident or other trauma, cervical arthritis, herniated disks, nerve compression, and degenerative conditions such as spinal stenosis.
Neck pain can cause a range of symptoms, including mild to severe pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, headaches, and even numbness or tingling sensations that can radiate down the arms. The treatment for neck pain depends on the underlying cause but often includes a combination of rest, physical therapy, pain medications, and muscle relaxants. In more severe cases, injections or surgery may be necessary.
Preventing neck pain can be achieved through maintaining good posture, practicing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, and avoiding repetitive motions or prolonged inactivity that can lead to strain. If neck pain persists or becomes severe, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
As a neuromuscular therapist, my first focus is to identify what type of pain my client is experiencing. I want to know if it is dull, sharp, or constant and when it typically occurs - is it in the morning upon waking up or in the evening after a long day sitting at a desk? Additionally, I'm interested in the location of the pain, whether it's on the side of the neck or back, or if it starts at the front near the clavicle and wraps around to the back of the head. During my assessment, I also look for postural deviations such as the head tilting to one side or the chin pointing slightly in a particular direction. I ask detailed questions about headaches, including whether they are with or without auras.
Once I have a good amount of information I now refer to the muscles that tend to produce pain in the area of the neck that match what my client is experiencing. Ninety percent of the time, myofascial trigger points in the muscle identified as the culprit are the primary reason for the neck pain. Myofascial trigger point pain can lead to both muscular and non-muscular symptoms, resulting in facial pain, headaches, toothaches, sinus pain, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, particularly in the head and neck regions. If the neck pain is acute then more than likely we are looking at the client experiencing trigger points in only one muscle. However, if the client has experienced neck pain for several weeks or reoccurring throughout their life then we may be looking for associated trigger points as well.
Associated trigger points are trigger points that occur in other muscles that are associated with the primary muscle that is causing the symptoms. For example, associated trigger points (TrPs) for the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle are possible trigger points in the the masseter, temporalis, orbicular oculi, and occipitofrontalis muscles.
Until the SCM muscle has been sufficiently released, the painful temporomandibular joint and other muscles such as the masseter, temporalis, orbicular oculi, and occipitofrontalis may not fully respond to treatment.
If the SCM muscle has been impacted for a prolonged period, the scalene muscles may also develop trigger points.
Due to the complexities of assessing a client, identifying the root issue, warming up the tissue, releasing trigger points, and then reassessing, I tend to prefer longer sessions of ninety minutes, two hours, or even two and a half hours. Attempting to accomplish all of these necessary steps in a single sixty-minute session can be challenging, if not unrealistic, even for a skilled neuromuscular therapist.
At the core of my therapeutic approach is an understanding of the complex anatomy and structures of the body. I am passionate about providing my patients with the customized treatment plans they need to achieve optimal health and well-being.
If you are suffering from neck pain, I encourage you to reach out to me today. With my expertise in neuromuscular therapy and understanding of the complexities of your pain, I can develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and help you find relief from your discomfort.
Michael Hale is an accomplished Neuromuscular Therapist, Personal Trainer, and Health Educator located in Jurupa Valley, CA, with certifications from prestigious institutions such as the National Holistic Institute (NHI) and the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). His philosophy centers around the idea that wellness stems from striking a balance between strengthening the body and relaxation to attain optimal homeostasis.
