Understanding Neck Pain: Mobility Deficits

Neck pain associated with mobility deficits is a common issue, particularly among older adults. This is often due to degenerative processes within the spine, leading to conditions such as cervical osteoarthritis. Over time, the joints in the neck may experience a loss of disk height, leading to reduced range of motion and localized pain. 

The Impact of Upper Cross Syndrome

• Upper Cross Syndrome exacerbates the situation by increasing the compression on the cervical joints.
• This syndrome, coupled with the prevalent forward head posture, leads to the shortening of muscles on the side and back of the neck.
• Short, tight muscles significantly restrict neck movement, further limiting range of motion.

Assessing Neck Mobility

When evaluating neck mobility, it is essential to identify the primary source of limited range of motion. For the purpose of this workshop, we will focus on differentiating between muscular and joint-related restrictions.