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Necks can be can be uncomfortable and painful and are a common presentation in osteopathic clinics. As well as having a painful or restricted neck many people often  notice that other areas are  distressed such as their upper or lower back or hips for example?

As osteopaths we will always examine the body as a whole to see what other parts of the body are contributing to neck pain. 
Following the principles of osteopathy it is important to consider  how other parts of the body may contribute to neck pain.

In treating  neck pain osteopaths use their hands to examine and release tension in the upper and middle ribs, upper and lower back and pelvis before working on the neck. Their aim is to improve other areas that support good function of the neck and help the whole body feel and move better.

Techniques used would include soft tissue, inhibition and stretching of tight muscles, articulation of joints of the neck, ribs, shoulders and upper back and release of specific cervical nerves if needed.

Things that may contribute to neck problems include:

• Sustained neck postures such as looking down at mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
• Slouching and poor sitting posture
• Poor work ergonomics particularly to do with using computers.
• Excessive overhead lifting of weights.

​Things that may assist good neck function include:

• Attending to posture, head neck shoulders in line.
• Regular walking heel to toe.
• Shoulder rolls and upper back stretches.
• Avoiding wearing high heels.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system.
This system is responsible for maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and removing waste products from the body.
MLD involves gentle, rhythmic strokes that encourage the movement of lymph fluid, which can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and enhance overall health.
Here are some of the benefits of MLD for the body:

• It has a calming, anti-stress effect which can facilitate the easing of  pain and the reduction of blood pressure. It can also stimulate the immune defence system within the body.
• It brings about a change in the autonomic nervous system, lowering the "Sympathetic" nervous system (daytime / flight nerves) and accentuating the night / rest nerves of the "Parasympathetic" nervous system.
• MLD reduces pain by exciting the "touch receptors" in the skin which produce an inhibitory or blocking signal to the brain, with the correct application.
• It is incredibly relaxing; some patients fall asleep during treatment.
  

 ​Manual Lymphatic Drainage  complements osteopathic principles by supporting the body’s natural healing processes, particularly through lymphatic stimulation, enhancing detoxification, and promoting fluid balance.

Here are some conditions that may benefit from  the use of MLD in an osteopathic treatment:

• Acute injuries and bruising - MLD speeds up tissue recovery, gently reduce swelling and improve local circulation.
• Post-Joint replacement surgery - MLD reduces excessive swelling and may  improve healing and recovery
• Chronic conditions like osteo and rheumatoid arthritis – MLD helps remove inflammatory mediators, relaxes the nervous system, relaxes tight muscles and promotes fluid movement.
• Headaches and Migraines - helps relieves tension in the neck, reduces inflammation, and promotes drainage of sinus and other fluids from the head and neck.
• Fibromyalgia: MLD may help manage the widespread pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia by reducing inflammation and relaxing the nervous system.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: MLD may assist with sluggish lymphatic flow and poor immune function often present in people with chronic fatigue sufferers.
• Back Pain and Sciatica through reducing inflammation around the spinal muscles and nerves, improving circulation and reducing pain.