What is Cervical Pain?
Neck Pain also called cervical pain can result from whiplash injuries, facet joint osteoarthritis, or overuse. Any injury, inflammation, or degeneration of these intervertebral joints can cause intense, localised pain and stiffness.Our clinic helps identify the cause and provide targeted treatment.
What causes it?
● Facet Joint Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear thins the cartilage in the facet joints, increasing stress and leading to bone spurs that can irritate nearby nerves.
● Trauma or Injury: Whiplash injury, Road traffic collision, falls, sports injuries, or repetitive movements can overstretch the facet joint capsule, causing hypermobility and pain.
● Degenerative disc disease: Worn-out discs lose cushioning, stressing the facet joints.
● Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis): Chronic wear can lead to arthritis in the neck.
● Radiculopathy: occurs when nerve in the neck is compressed, irritated or pinched
● Poor Posture: Long hours at a desk or poor posture can stress the neck’s facet joints.
● Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can affect these joints.
Signs and Symptoms:
● Localised neck pain and stiffness, worse with head movements.
● Headaches at the back of the head.
● Muscle soreness, spasms, or weakness in the arms.
● Tenderness over the neck and top of shoulder.
How Do We Diagnose Neck / Cervical pain?
Your expert physiotherapist at Target Physio Injection Clinic will:
● Take a detailed medical history of your symptoms and activities.
● Perform a thorough physical examination including neck, shoulder, and upper limb tests.
● Assess range of motion, muscle strength, nerve tension, sensation, and reflexes.
● Evaluate posture and functional movements.
If needed, we may refer you for an X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
At our Target Physio Injection Clinic in Chesterfield, we provide effective, evidence-based treatments to ease your pain and restore mobility.
● Education: Clear advice on your condition and posture correction.
● Pain Relief: Targeted analgesics to reduce inflammation and pain.
● Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage to ease muscle spasms and improve comfort.
● Movement & Strength: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck, shoulders, and back.
● Joint Mobilisation: Hands-on techniques to restore smooth joint motion.
● Posture Re-education: Correct movement patterns for long-term neck health.
● Functional Rehab: Personalised exercises to help you return to work, sport, and daily activities pain-free.
Why Choose Target Physio Injection Ltd?
Our expert team uses a holistic approach, advanced physiotherapy, and patient education, to tackle the root cause of your neck pain and get you back to the activities you love.
Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
What is Cervical Facet Joint Pain?
Cervical pain commonly known as neck facet joint syndrome, is a leading cause of persistent neck pain. The facet joints in your neck (C2-C7) are small but crucial for spinal stability and movement. Injury, inflammation, or degeneration of these joints can cause intense, localised pain and stiffness.
What causes it?
● Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear thins the cartilage in the facet joints, increasing stress and leading to bone spurs that can irritate nearby nerves.
● Trauma or Injury: Falls, sports injuries, or repetitive movements can overstretch the facet joint capsule, causing hypermobility and pain.
● Degenerative disc disease: Worn-out discs lose cushioning, stressing the facet joints.
● Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis): Chronic wear can lead to arthritis in the neck.
● Poor Posture: Long hours at a desk or poor posture can stress the neck’s facet joints.
● Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can affect these joints.
Risk Factors
● Obesity, poor posture, contact sports, manual labour, trauma, or age (over 40).
● Jobs requiring long hours at a computer or repetitive neck bending.
Signs and Symptoms:
● Localised neck pain and stiffness, worse with head movements.
● Headaches at the back of the head.
● Muscle soreness, spasms, or weakness in the arms.
● Pain between the shoulder blades or down the arm.
● Tingling or pins and needles in the arm or hand.
● Tenderness over the affected facet joint.
How Do We Diagnose Cervical Facet joint Pain?
Your expert physiotherapist at Target Physio Injection Ltd will:
● Take a detailed medical history of your symptoms and activities.
● Perform a thorough physical examination including neck, shoulder, and upper limb tests.
● Assess range of motion, muscle strength, nerve tension, sensation, and reflexes.
● Evaluate posture and functional movements.
If needed, we may refer you for an X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
At our Target Physio Injection Clinic in Chesterfield, we provide effective, evidence-based treatments to ease your pain and restore mobility.
● Education: Clear advice on your condition and posture correction.
● Pain Relief: Targeted analgesics to reduce inflammation and pain.
● Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage to ease muscle spasms and improve comfort.
● Movement & Strength: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck, shoulders, and back.
● Joint Mobilisation: Hands-on techniques to restore smooth joint motion.
● Posture Re-education: Correct movement patterns for long-term neck health.
● Functional Rehab: Personalised exercises to help you return to work, sport, and daily activities pain-free.
Why Choose Target Physio Injection Ltd?
Our expert team uses a holistic approach, advanced physiotherapy, and patient education, to tackle the root cause of your neck pain and get you back to the activities you love.
Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful, back-and-forth movement of the neck at speed. It usually involves the bones and soft tissues in your neck and occurs commonly in road traffic accidents, falls, or sporting injuries. Most whiplash injuries recover well with physiotherapy, but if left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain and reduced function.
Anatomy of the Neck
The neck (cervical spine) is a complex structure with 7 vertebrae (C1–C7), discs, nerves, many muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It allows an incredible range of movement but also supports the weight of your head, making it vulnerable to injury during sudden movements.
What Causes Whiplash?
● Car accidents and collisions
● Contact sports (rugby, boxing, martial arts)
● Falls from bikes, horses, or steps
● Physical assault
● Amusement rides (roller coasters)
The sudden movement overstretches muscles, ligaments, and discs, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Symptoms of Whiplash / Neck Sprain
● Neck pain and stiffness
● Headaches starting at the base of the skull
● Tenderness in the neck, shoulders, or back
● Loss of movement
● Tingling or numbness in arms or hands
● Fatigue and dizziness
● Vision problems, tinnitus, jaw pain, sleep difficulties, or memory issues in some cases
Symptoms can appear hours to days after injury. It’s vital to see a professional to rule out other serious injuries, including concussion.
How Do We Diagnose Whiplash?
At Target Physio Injection Ltd, our skilled physiotherapist will:
● Take a thorough history
● Perform a physical and neurological assessment
● Test movement, strength, sensation, and reflexes
● Use the Quebec Task Force classification to grade severity (WAD 0–4)
If needed, we may recommend X-rays or MRI to confirm diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Our Treatment for Whiplash at Target Physio Injection Clinic
● Pain Relief: Soft tissue massage, ice/heat, taping, and acupuncture.
● Medication Advice: Painkillers, NSAIDs, or muscle relaxants (if needed).
● Manual Therapy: Joint mobilisations and hands-on techniques for stiffness.
● Movement & Strength: Gentle stretches and exercises to restore neck range of motion and strengthen stabilising muscles.
● Posture Re-education: Advice and ergonomic assessment to prevent recurrence.
● Functional Rehab: Tailored exercises to help you return to your chosen activities safely.
● Regular Reassessment: Ongoing support and progress checks to ensure you reach your goals.
Spinal Injections and Surgery for Whiplash
Spinal injections or surgery are rarely needed. In severe cases, steroid injections may help with inflammation. Surgery is considered only for fractures or nerve injuries. We work closely with experienced spinal surgeons to ensure you receive the best care if a surgical opinion is needed.
Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed, irritated or pinched as it exits the spinal column. This condition, also known as a “pinched nerve,” commonly causes pain radiating from the neck into the shoulders, upper back, and arms. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the arm or hand. It typically affects one side (unilateral), but can occur on both sides in more severe cases.
What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?
● Bone Spurs: Age-related changes can lead to extra bone growth (spurs) that compress or irritate nerves.
● Herniated Discs: A bulging or herniated disc can press on nerves, causing symptoms.
● Degenerative Disc Disease: Worn-out discs reduce cushioning, stressing the nerves.
● Injury or Trauma: Falls, sports injuries, or car accidents can cause direct nerve compression.
● Other Causes: Thickened spinal ligaments, spinal infections, or rare growths in the spine can also contribute.
Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
● Sharp or burning neck pain that radiates into the arm, chest, shoulder, or upper back.
● Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the fingers or hand.
● Muscle weakness in the arm, shoulder, or hand.
● Difficulty gripping objects or dropping things.
● Muscle spasms and headaches at the base of the skull.
● Symptoms may start intermittently but can become constant over time.
How Do We Diagnose Cervical Radiculopathy?
Your expert physiotherapist at Target Physio Injection Ltd will:
● Take a detailed medical history of your symptoms and activities.
● Perform a thorough physical examination including neck, shoulder & upper limb tests.
● Assess range of motion, muscle strength, nerve tension, sensation, and reflexes.
● Evaluate posture and functional movements.
If needed, we may refer you for an X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Our Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy
At Target Physio Injection Ltd, we combine expert physiotherapy interventions to relieve pain and restore function.
● Education & Advice: Clear explanations of your condition and self-management strategies.
● Pain Relief: Analgesic to reduce nerve irritation and inflammation.
● Manual Therapy: Joint mobilisation, gentle traction, and soft tissue release to improve mobility and comfort.
● Movement & Strength: Targeted exercises for the neck, shoulders, and arms to restore stability and function.
● Posture Correction: Ergonomic advice for work and daily activities to reduce strain.
● Functional Rehab: Personalised exercises to help you return to work, hobbies, and sports.
When is Injection or Surgery Needed?
For persistent or severe pain, cervical epidural steroid injections may be recommended to reduce swelling and irritation around the nerve. These injections provide a window of relief, allowing you to fully participate in physiotherapy. Surgery is usually only considered as a last resort if conservative treatments haven’t worked and symptoms are worsening.
Why Choose Target Physio Injection Ltd?
Our team uses a holistic, patient-centred approach using advanced physiotherapy, and tailored education to address the root cause of your cervical radiculopathy and help you return to a pain-free, active life.
Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, is a common age-related condition where the discs and joints in the cervical spine (neck) degenerate over time. These changes can cause neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, and may even affect the nerves that exit the spine.
What Causes Cervical Spondylosis?
● Age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs and facet joints.
● Disc dehydration and shrinkage reducing disc height and flexibility.
● Bone spurs (osteophytes) forming around the spinal joints.
● Herniated or bulging discs putting pressure on nerves.
● Repetitive movements, poor posture, or injuries can accelerate these changes.
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
● Neck pain and stiffness
● Headaches (often starting at the back of the head)
● Reduced range of motion in the neck
● Grinding or popping sensation when moving the neck
● In some cases, radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or hands (cervical radiculopathy)
● Muscle weakness in the arms in more severe cases
Symptoms can vary widely from mild discomfort to more significant nerve compression and mobility limitations.
How is Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosed?
At Target Physio Injection Ltd, your expert physiotherapist will:
● Take a thorough medical history and listen to your symptoms
● Perform a detailed physical and neurological examination
● Assess your neck’s range of motion, muscle strength, and nerve function
● Use special tests to confirm nerve involvement
If needed, we can refer you for MRI or X-ray imaging to assess the condition of your neck’s discs, joints, and nerves.
Our Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis at Target Physio Injection Clinic:
● Pain Relief & Posture Correction: Hands-on techniques, massage, and gentle mobilisations to reduce pain and improve movement.
● Targeted Exercise Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve stability and flexibility.
● Postural and Ergonomic Advice: Practical advice to improve daily activities and reduce strain on the neck.
● Acupuncture: For muscle relaxation and pain relief.
● Analgesics for targeted pain relief of inflammation and nerve irritation.
● Functional Rehab: Exercises and strategies to help you return to your daily activities safely and confidently.
Why Choose Target Physio Injection Clinic?
Our team combines advanced physiotherapy, evidence-based treatments, and pain medication prescriptions to manage your cervical spondylosis symptoms and help you regain pain-free movement. We work closely with you to ensure the best possible outcome and long-term relief.
Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of back and neck pain, affecting both the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. Despite the name, DDD is not actually a disease but a natural, age-related process where the spinal discs gradually wear down and lose their shock-absorbing ability.
Causes of DDD
DDD develops as the discs between the vertebrae lose moisture and elasticity over time. Other risk factors include:
● Heavy lifting or repetitive movements
● Smoking
● Previous spinal injuries
● Poor posture or spinal alignment
● Obesity, which increases pressure on the spine
As discs degenerate, they can narrow the space between the vertebrae, compressing nerves and causing pain.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
● Lumbar DDD:
● Aching or sharp low back pain
● Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs (sciatica)
● Muscle spasms or stiffness
● Difficulty bending or twisting
Cervical DDD:
● Neck pain and stiffness
● Pain that travels to the shoulders or arms
● Tingling or numbness in the hands
● Headaches and restricted neck movement
How is Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosed?
At Target Physio Injection Ltd, your expert physiotherapist will:
● Take a detailed medical history and discuss your symptoms
● Conduct a thorough physical examination to assess range of motion, strength, and nerve function
● Use special tests to identify nerve involvement
If needed, an MRI or other imaging can confirm the diagnosis and identify related issues such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Treatment for DDD at Target Physio Injection Clinic:
● Pain Management: Advice on short-term medication, activity modification, and pain-relieving techniques.
● Hands-on Physiotherapy: Gentle mobilisation, massage, and soft tissue release to reduce pain and stiffness.
● Acupuncture or Dry Needling: Targeted treatment for muscle tension and nerve irritation.
● Exercise Therapy: Tailored stretching and strengthening exercises to restore mobility and stability.
● Postural Re-education: Practical advice for better posture and spinal alignment.
● Functional Rehab: Exercises to help you return to work, sport, and daily activities safely.
Why Choose Target Physio Injection Clinic?
Our experienced physiotherapists provide evidence-based care tailored to your needs with advanced physiotherapy interventions to relieve pain and restore function. We’re dedicated to helping you move with confidence and reduce your pain long-term.
Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
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