You wake up in the morning and can hardly turn your head to the side. Or that dull pulling that travels from the neck over the back of the head to the temples. Perhaps also a slight dizziness when you tilt your head back. Complaints around the cervical spine are among the most common reasons people come to our practice.
No wonder: the cervical spine is a small marvel — and at the same time a weak point. It has to carry the head, which weighs around 5 kilograms, keep it mobile in all directions and protect sensitive nerve pathways and blood vessels. This combination of high mobility and heavy load makes it vulnerable.
What actually is the cervical spine?
The cervical spine consists of the top seven vertebrae (C1 to C7). The top two — atlas and axis — are very special: they allow the head to nod and turn. Between the vertebrae are discs, plus small facet joints, ligaments and layered muscles that reach deep into the neck and shoulders.
The most common causes of neck problems
1. Posture & screen work
The most common trigger. Sitting for hours with the head tilted forward — so-called “text neck” or “tech neck” — puts many times the load on the cervical spine. Even a 15-degree tilt doubles the effective weight of the head. The muscles have to hold against it constantly and become tense and hard.
2. Stress & muscle tension
Under stress we unconsciously tense the neck and shoulder muscles. If this continues for weeks, tension, trigger points and pain develop.
3. Lack of movement & weak deep muscles
The deep neck muscles stabilise the vertebrae like an inner corset. If they are too weak, the superficial muscles take over the work — and become overloaded. Targeted training of these deep muscles is often the key to long-term improvement.
4. Wear and tear (cervical syndrome)
Over the years, discs and facet joints can change. This is normal and not automatically painful — many changes seen on X-rays cause no symptoms at all. What matters is how well muscles and mobility are looked after.
Which symptoms can come from the cervical spine?
- Neck stiffness and restricted movement
- Tension headaches, often radiating from the back of the head
- Pain pulling into the shoulder, arm or between the shoulder blades
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
- Accompanying: dizziness, difficulty concentrating
- Clicking or grinding noises when moving
With radiating pain combined with numbness, tingling or loss of strength in the arms or hands, a doctor should always first check whether a nerve is involved.
How does physiotherapy help with neck problems?
The good news: the vast majority of neck problems are very treatable — and above all without surgery. Our approach combines several elements:
- Thorough assessment: we look at mobility, muscles, posture and everyday strain together
- Manual therapy: targeted mobilisation of the facet joints and soft-tissue techniques release blockages and tension
- Trigger point & massage techniques: to release acute hardening
- Strengthening the deep muscles: so the cervical spine stays stable in the long term
- Posture training & ergonomics: concrete tips for the workplace and everyday life
- Home exercise programme: a few minutes a day that make the difference
3 simple exercises for in between
1. Neck lengthening
Sit upright. Imagine a thread gently pulling the top of your head upwards — your chin lowers slightly. Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 10 times. Activates the deep neck muscles.
2. Shoulder circles
Circle your shoulders slowly and widely backwards, 10 times. Opens the chest and releases the connection between neck and shoulder girdle.
3. Gentle side bend
Tilt your head slowly to the side, as if you wanted to bring your ear to your shoulder. Help gently with your hand, hold for 20 seconds, switch sides. Never jerky — always slow and pain-free.
Looking for neck treatment in Rostock?
Whether an acute stiff neck, recurring tension headaches or problems from screen work — we find the cause and treat it in a targeted way. In our practices in the Altstadt (WG Warnow) and Südstadt (Kaufland).
Conclusion: pay attention to your neck
The cervical spine literally carries our head through everyday life — and speaks up if we neglect it for too long. Most complaints can be managed well with the right combination of manual treatment, targeted training and small changes in everyday life. If your neck is bothering you right now: talk to us — we'll look at it together.
