CASE STUDY: Neck pain and headache

Mr A a 60 year old office worker was involved in a slow speed rear impact road traffic accident. He started to experience neck pain and headaches a few days after the accident. He reported a history of previous spinal pain and headaches. He had seen his GP on various occasions for his headaches and been prescribed varying medications but these had not really helped.

A thorough examination showed there to be a neck problem, involving the upper joints in particular, with some muscle tightness around the neck.

Treatment consisted of mobilisations of the affected joints and soft tissue work including massage. He was also given some advice and self-help exercises which included muscle lengthening exercises.

At the end of the course of treatment Mr A reported that he had experienced no pain in his neck or head for over 1 month.