Neck pain is common in people of all ages and is often caused by how we use our necks.

Working all day bent over a computer, driving long distances, poor posture while standing or sitting, stress and tiredness are all factors that can cause the muscles in the neck and upper back to become tight and the joints to become stiff which can contribute to ongoing neck pain.

Sometimes  a nerve in your neck can become irritated or “trapped”  and cause pain in the arm going down into your shoulder or the hand, and may be accompanied by pins and needles and numbness.

Some headaches can be the result of tension or stiffness in the neck and upper back.

Osteoarthritis or age-related wear and tear in the neck can also cause muscular pain from the neck into the shoulder as well as some stiffness in moving the neck.

How can an Osteopath help?

• Osteopaths can use a wide range of gentle manipulations depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis to reduce muscular tension in the neck and improve movement in the joints of the neck and upper back. We may gently massage the soft tissues or  rhythmically “rock” the joints to release tension and sometimes we may gently manipulate the neck to move the joints and you may hear a “click”

• Treatment is different in every individual and sometimes it might involve treating other areas in the back and shoulders as well as the neck.
• We may offer advice on your posture at work or in the car and give advice on exercise and stretching to help keep your neck and upper back muscles and joints relaxed.
• X-rays, scans and other tests are sometimes required to make adiagnosis and your osteopath may refer to your GP or a specialist for any additional investigations or treatment

Alexandra Freeman  M.Ost

Alexandra Freeman is an experienced Osteopath who uses structural, cranial and other osteopathy techniques to treat her patients. Alexandra has a passion for paediatric and is currently studying for her Diploma at The Osteopathic Centre for Children.

Alexandra is a Registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council. She graduated from the London School of Osteopathy with a Masters degree in Osteopathy. She has completed courses in both dry needling and cranial techniques at the Sutherland Cranial College.

Testimonials:

Alexandra made our 4 year old son feel instantly at ease and he calmly went into the session, which had quick and obvious positive results. Happy Mama, happy boy, thanks so much Alexandra, we know were to find you for the next time!

– K. Bremer

Alexandra Freeman is an excellent osteopath, has relieved my back pain following my treatments with her. She takes time to find out the cause of the pain, alleviates the pain and is a pleasure to work with. I cannot recommend her enough.

– V. Harrison

I have been visiting Alexandra for some months now to address lower back pains.  Alexandra is incredibly warm, engaging and approachable yet very professional and thorough. She puts you at ease and is very good at explaining the reasons for the condition and the treatment she administers in ways that laypeople can understand. Alexandra also treated a relative of mine for neck and shoulder strains; who has been visiting other osteopaths for treatments.  They commented that Alexandra’s treatment was excellent and cured the problem, unlike other Osteopaths!  One of the best and most exceptional and effective osteopaths ever.  I would strongly recommend Alexandra.

– Ruth

Useful links

Arthritis Research UK