Neck arthritis and disc disease can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, impacting daily activities like turning your head while driving or even simple tasks like reading. Physiotherapy is a proven, non-invasive way to manage these conditions. Here’s how physiotherapy can help:

Step 1: Pain Relief with Manual Therapy

Manual therapy means "hands-on" treatment.  Manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilization and soft tissue massage, are commonly used to alleviate neck pain.

For example, applying low-velocity mobilization to the cervical joints can reduce pain and improve range of motion.

Studies have shown that patients with degenerative neck conditions experienced significant pain relief after just two sessions of manual therapy, with visual pain scores dropping from a median of 8 to 4​.

Step 2: Improving Mobility and Strength

Exercises tailored to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles are crucial. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises, for instance, use controlled resistance to improve neck stability and flexibility. These exercises mimic daily movements, like looking over your shoulder or lifting light objects, to restore functionality. Research highlights that PNF therapy resulted in improved neck flexibility and reduced pain frequency, enabling patients to carry heavy objects and perform other daily activities with ease​.

Step 3: Restoring Function with Ergonomic Training

Physiotherapists often incorporate ergonomic advice into treatment. Proper posture during work or leisure activities, combined with simple neck stretches, can prevent strain and promote long-term recovery. Patients educated on ergonomic strategies reported improved ability to perform tasks like reading, working, or even sleeping comfortably after just a few therapy sessions​.

Step 4: Long-Term Management

For chronic conditions, maintaining improvements through home exercises is essential. Gentle stretches like the chin tuck or controlled rotations can be performed daily to maintain neck mobility. Patients practicing these exercises consistently report lasting pain relief and enhanced quality of life.

Conclusion:

Physiotherapy offers a tailored approach to managing neck arthritis and disc disease, empowering patients to regain mobility and reduce pain. Whether it’s through hands-on therapy or structured exercise programs, these steps can help you return to a more active, pain-free lifestyle.

To learn more, visit one of our physiotherapists for a personalized treatment plan.

References:

• Maicki, T., et al. "PNF and Manual Therapy Treatment Results of Patients with Cervical Spine Osteoarthritis" (2017)​(bmr-30-bmr169718).
• Hey, H.W., et al. "Short-term Results of Physiotherapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Degenerative Cervical Spine Disease" (2012)​(Short-term_results_of_p…).

Written by: Bailey Boyd, Student Physiotherapist, 2024, in collaboration with River East Physiotherapy

FAQs:

Is physiotherapy effective for severe cases of neck arthritis or disc disease?

• Physiotherapy is highly effective for managing mild to moderate cases. It can also reduce symptoms in severe cases, although surgery or other medical interventions may be recommended if pain persists despite therapy. However, most patients experience significant improvements in pain and daily function with consistent physiotherapy​.

How soon can I expect to see results from physiotherapy?

• Many patients notice improvements after just a few sessions. For example, studies show significant pain reduction and better functionality after two physiotherapy visits. However, the timeline may vary depending on the severity of your condition and your commitment to prescribed exercises​.

What is manual therapy, and how does it help with neck arthritis?

• Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to reduce stiffness and improve mobility. For neck arthritis, these methods target the affected joints to relieve pain and restore range of motion, making daily activities like driving or working more comfortable.

What other treatments can complement physiotherapy for neck arthritis?

• Complementary treatments may include hot/cold packs or acupuncture. These can be used alongside physiotherapy to manage symptoms more effectively. For example, applying a warm compress before therapy can help loosen stiff muscles, enhancing the session's effectiveness​.

Is physiotherapy suitable for radicular pain caused by disc disease?

• Yes, physiotherapy can help manage radicular pain by improving nerve function and reducing inflammation through exercises and manual therapy. Techniques like cervical traction or gentle neck stretches can alleviate nerve compression, reducing symptoms like tingling or numbness in the arms​.