Case Study: Neck Pain And Headaches

Sarah Is An Office Worker Who Came In With Persistent Neck Pain And Frequent Headaches.

Sarah's Postural Imbalance had become an issue after years of sitting badly at her desk at work. Read how her case study below...

Please Note: The real patients name has been changed to Sarah for the purpose of this case study.

Case Study: Meet Sarah

During a consultation with Sarah, a 40-year-old office worker with two decades of desk work behind her, she reported persistent neck pain and frequent headaches. These symptoms had become a constant presence, impacting her daily life and productivity. Sarah explained that her headaches often started in the neck and radiated up to her head, making it difficult to concentrate and complete her tasks efficiently.

Upon observing Sarah’s posture, it was clear she had developed an increased kyphotic curvature in her upper back, coupled with excessive cervical spine extension. This postural imbalance was a likely contributor to her discomfort, as the prolonged hours spent at a desk had gradually led to these structural changes. The chronic forward head posture put extra strain on her neck muscles, resulting in the persistent pain and headaches she experienced.

Further examination confirmed that Sarah’s headaches were cervicogenic, meaning they originated from the cervical spine. This type of headache is commonly linked to poor posture, particularly in individuals who spend long periods in a seated position. Her neck pain was exacerbated by muscle tightness and imbalances, which had developed over years of improper ergonomic setup and lack of movement.

Paying attention to how we sit each day is vital for long term health.

To address Sarah’s condition, we began with immediate manual therapy to relieve the tension in her neck and shoulder muscles, providing her with quick relief from the acute pain. This involved gentle manipulations and stretches to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tightness, which helped alleviate the pressure contributing to her headaches.

Following the initial relief, we introduced a customized muscle-strengthening program designed to correct her postural imbalances. The focus was on strengthening the muscles that support her upper back and neck, helping to reduce the kyphotic curvature and improve her overall posture. Additionally, we provided education on proper ergonomics, guiding Sarah on how to set up her workstation to minimize strain on her neck and back. This included adjustments to her chair, desk height, and screen position, as well as encouraging regular breaks and exercises to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.

Over time, Sarah became more aware of the connection between her posture and her symptoms. By understanding the underlying causes of her condition, she was empowered to take proactive steps in managing her health. With continued adherence to her exercise program and ergonomic adjustments, she experienced a significant reduction in both her neck pain and headaches.

This case highlights the power of osteopathy not only in providing immediate relief but also in educating patients about their bodies. By helping individuals like Sarah understand the pathophysiology of their issues, osteopathy encourages a more active role in their recovery and long-term well-being.

Do you suffer from lower neckl pain or headaches?

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