Elbow and Neck Pain

What is tennis or golfer's elbow and can it be connected to neck/back pain?

[Clarrisa]

Q1: “Tennis elbow is caused by overuse or overload of the muscles of the forearm ... Two types are identifiable: ‘backhand’ tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, & ‘forehand’ tennis elbow, or medial epicondylitis, which is known also as golfer’s or pitcher’s elbow ...” From John Murtagh’s text called General Practice (3rd edition). He discusses it in further detail.

Q2: If your head is not in alignment with your spine everything will be thrown out of proper alignment. Stress is commonly held in the neck/shoulder area. A good way to experience proper alignment & identity where you are holding tension is to have a Alexander Technique session. If you are out of alignment, &/or holding tension during activities pain will catch up with you.

FYI: This is a thyroid forum, if you share thyroid questions more people respond.

[Beata_s in reply to Clarrisa]

I suffered with tennis elbow for few months in the past - it got gradually so bad I couldn’t even lift a cup of coffee to sip ! I bought one of those straps on the elbow - more to remind me not to use the arm unless totally necessary - wore it for 3 months , rested my arm and it healed completely , I didn’t suffer from head / neck pain . If I have them I don’t think they are related to my elbow .

[Clarrisa in reply to Beata_s]

“Rounding the upper back takes power away from the arms & increases the likelihood of injuring the back.” - from “Back Trouble” book by Deborah Caplan, P.T. Although back pain isn’t head / neck pain, a Physicial Therapist will throw in exercises for them too given the chance.

[Hidden]

Do you have "Physio Direct" near you? Usually in a health centre or local doctor's. They are NHS physiotherapists (therefore free) and deal with the sort of problems (with bones, tendons and muscles) that you seem to be having. I have found them brilliant at dealing with any odd aches and pains - though you have to work at any exercises they give you.

You don't have to wait for a referral but can refer yourself - just turn up during the designated times, fill in a form describing your problem and wait a while to be seen (usually not all that long).