Head, Neck and Upper Back

The Cervical Spine

Our clinic offers physiotherapy for back pain which can help with your cervical spine problems. The cervical vertebrae are numbered from C1-C7 and carry the weight of the human head  between 8 and 15 lbs.

The first two vertebrae have particular names C1 is known as the atlas and C2 the axis, which has a tooth which articulates with the atlas. The cervical vertebrae are very delicate bones which are reasonably well protected by strong ligaments and muscles whilst still allowing free movement.

The Cervical spine: physiotherapy for back pain

The cervical section of the spine is the most mobile part of the whole spine. Movement consists of 90 degree flexion (looking down) and extension (looking up), 180 degree rotation and up to 120 degree side flexion.

In between each vertebra is a disc that acts like a spacer between the bones and from small holes (called foramen) on the right and left of each vertebral body exit the nerve roots (like tree branches) from the spinal cord. These contain sensory and motor nerves which feed the head and arms.

The Thoracic Spine

Our physiotherapy for back pain can help treat the thoracic spine, which refers to the upper and middle back; it consists of 12 vertebrae and 12 discs in between each vertebra. It is built for stability and has limited flexibility due to the rib cage this provides protection to the vital organs which sit inside it.

The ribs attach from T1-10 in a curve and attach in the front of the chest to the sternum (the breastbone) note the bottom 2 ribs are known as floating ribs as they do not attach to the sternum.

For even greater stability the discs in the thoracic spine are flatter than those in the cervical and lumbar spine. The spinal canal is narrower in the thoracic spine and the spinal cord is therefore more at risk of damage if a thoracic vertebra is injured.

  • Cervicogenic headaches
  • TMJ (Jaw) disorders
  • Facial (Bells) palsy
  • fractures: Jaw/eye-socket

Common Neck and Thoracic Complaints

  • Disc pathologies (degenerative/bulging/slipped/ruptured discs)
  • Nerve root and referred pain (radiculopathy)
  • Trapped nerves and referred pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Whiplash
  • Torticollis (wry neck)
  • Postural neck pain
  • Costochondritis (breastbone and rib cartilage pain)
  • fracturess: wedge vertebra fracturess
  • Post operatively:
    • Spinal decompression
    • Spinal fusion
    • Injections (facet/disc/nerve root blocks)

Call Harpenden Physiotherapy Today

Give us a call on 01582 761448 or get in touch if you’d like to find out more about how our physiotherapy for back pain can help you with any head, neck or upper back issues you may be experiencing.

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Head, Neck and Upper Back

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HARPENDEN PHYSIOTHERAPY ACQUIRED BY CARTER & GEORGE

We are very proud to announce that Harpenden Physiotherapy has been acquired by The Carter & George Practice, co-owned by England Rugby International, Jamie George.

The Carter & George Practice look forward to building on the excellent reputation of Harpenden Physiotherapy, and are committed to ensuring minimal disruption in your care.

To find out more about The Carter & George Practice, please click here.

To book an appointment in Harpenden, please call 01582 761448 or email help@carterandgeorge.co.uk

You can also book online at any of our practices by clicking here.