Neck Pain
Whether you've woken up with a stiff neck, find it uncomfortable turning your head, or have been dealing with neck pain that keeps coming back, it can be frustrating.
Neck pain can affect everything from working at a desk and driving to sleeping comfortably or enjoying your usual activities.
At The Hive Health in Neath, our chiropractors and osteopaths take the time to understand what's happening, how it's affecting you and what might help.
Could chiropractic or osteopathy be appropriate?
At The Hive Health, we start by listening.
We'll ask about your symptoms, your health, your daily activities and what you'd like to get back to doing.
Your assessment may include checking how your neck moves, examining relevant muscles and joints, and assessing your nerves where appropriate.
If chiropractic or osteopathic care is suitable, your practitioner will discuss options with you. Depending on your individual circumstances, these may include:
- Hands-on treatment to help manage pain and movement difficulties
- Advice about movement, exercise and everyday activities
- Strategies to help you manage symptoms and return to the things you enjoy
We'll explain our findings and recommendations so you can make an informed decision about your care.
If we think you need further medical assessment, we'll explain that too.
Should I choose chiropractic or osteopathy?
You don’t need to decide which profession your neck pain “belongs” to.
There is considerable overlap between chiropractic and osteopathy. The individual practitioner’s experience, approach and treatment style will often be more relevant than their professional title.
We work as a team and can help redirect you if we believe another practitioner or healthcare service would be better suited to your needs.
What happens next?
A First Visit gives your practitioner time to listen, assess you and explain whether they believe treatment at The Hive Health is appropriate.
Treatment may be offered at the First Visit when it is appropriate and you are happy to proceed, but an assessment does not automatically mean treatment will be recommended.
Should I book Chiropractic or Osteopathy?
You don’t need to work out which profession your condition “belongs” to before booking.
For the problems we commonly see at The Hive Health, there isn’t a condition that automatically needs to be seen by a chiropractor rather than an osteopath—or vice versa. Both are regulated healthcare professions, and although there are some differences in training and clinical approach, there is considerable overlap in how our chiropractors and osteopath assess and treat people.
In practice, the individual practitioner—their experience, treatment style and approach—often matters more than their professional title.
We also work as a team. If your practitioner believes that another member of the team or a different healthcare service would be better suited to your needs, they’ll explain why and help direct you appropriately.
What if you can't help me?
If we don’t believe treatment at The Hive Health is appropriate, we’ll explain why.
Depending on what we find, we may advise you to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional, or recommend a different service. Where appropriate, and with your consent, we can also write to another healthcare professional about our findings.
We’ll only recommend treatment when we believe it is suitable and necessary for you.
What if I'm nervous about treatment?
Please tell us. It is completely reasonable to have questions or concerns, particularly if you haven’t visited a chiropractor or osteopath before.
Your practitioner will explain the techniques they recommend and adapt their approach to you. Manipulation is not compulsory, and treatment will only go ahead with your consent.
You can ask questions, express a preference or change your mind at any point.