[Velvetta]

I'm asking in WDYT because I fly to New Zealand this week, and have a lot of driving to do. For a whole week my neck and lower head at the back have been stiff and sore, the type you get from sleeping with your head in a bad position, but i have a supportive firm latex pillow that I find very comfortable.
I can't turn my head to the left or roll it without pain. It's radiating into my head so it feels like a headache.

I have no idea what the best treatment is for it. I know it may pass with time, but I'd really like to speed it up.
So - osteopath? chiropractor? acupuncture? massage? Chinese medicine? GP?.......

Who could help?

I've had this sort of thing before but never so long lasting or severe.

Thanks in advance

[howdo]

I have tried physio for it but find chiropractic gives instantaneous relief and lasts longer than a physiotherapy treatment - especially when it's giving me the piercing headache that makes me want to smack the other side of my head repeatedly with a hammer.

[Escapin]

I get that reasonably frequently and my physio really helps. You do need a decent physio tho! If you're in inner west Sydney I can PM you her details...

[Velvetta]

That instant and lasting chiro treatment sounds good howdo.

I'm in northern nsw, but I'd travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast if necessary provided I could get an appointment in the next 2 days.

[*Spikey*]

You want either a physiotherapist or a chiropractor.

The main differences between physiotherapy and chiropractic in private practice come from the origins of each profession. While Physiotherapists evolved out of a combination of massage, manual therapy and rehabilitative exercises. Chiropractic has evolved from the use of spinal manipulations to treat pain and dysfunction.

As such, physiotherapists still tend to use more massage, manual therapy and exercises, while chiropractors tend to utilize far more manipulation during treatments.

Although the professions will always have their differences – as technology and research progress, the knowledge base of physiotherapists and chiropractors become more and more similar as both professions learn what treatments are most effective for musculoskeletal conditions and use evidence based research to guide their practice.

In either case: whether it be physio, chiro or any other treating practitioner- if you are looking for a professional to assist with the treatment of a musculoskeletal problem – The most important aspects in selecting a treating practitioner remain the same:

-The therapist should listens to you and understand your concerns and problems.
-The therapist must understand why it is important to you that the problems are addressed and corrected.
- The therapist should use only treatments that have been proven to be effective.
- The therapist should have knowledge and experience of treating similar injuries and understand how to get the best results.
- The therapist should constantly involve the patient in the process and their recovery.

I had a neck problem (couldn't look over my left shoulder) that I saw a physio for. She fixed it, and it has not returned. I prefer massage and heat to manipulation. But that's just me.

[Mamabear2010]

Acupuncture gives instantaneous relief too. Love it.

Physio is another option but often they have to massage quite firmly.

[Velvetta]

Oh gosh now I'm more confused! I've had acupuncture and massage before but nothing else. I'm completely open to all options.
I guess it'll come down to who can see me tomorrow or Tuesday.

[frizzle]

I saw a great chiro in surfers when we were holidaying there. I had a pinched nerve in my back and got instant relief. I can find his details if you like.

[Velvetta]

I saw a great chiro in surfers when we were holidaying there. I had a pinched nerve in my back and got instant relief. I can find his details if you like.

Yes please frizzle!

[*Spikey*]

See, I wouldn't do accupuncture because I want the underlying issue fixed, rather than the pain relief effect. Unless it was for a very short term fix.

Can I also suggest that if you go Chiro, that you follow up with some massage and heat packs to loosen up the muscles? If you've been stuck for a couple of days, they are really going to tell you about it...

(and get one of those neck support pillows for the plane!!!!!)