Your neck is an integral area of everyday movement, and sharp pains can prevent you from functioning properly in your day-to-day life. Whether your neck pain presents difficulty when trying to sit up straight in your chair at work or tilting your head down to tie your shoes, physical therapy can help give you relief.
Neck pain can cause debilitating and extremely uncomfortable sensations, especially if the pain stretches from your neck down to your shoulders. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one-third of the population will experience neck pain in any given year. It can get worse if left untreated, and in severe cases, surgery may even be needed.
Many people are able to find relief from their neck pain every year through the help of physical therapy. Schuster Physical Therapy is dedicated to providing you with the neck pain relief you need.
PT treatments for neck pain
Physical therapy is one of the best methods for treating neck pain. At Schuster Physical Therapy, our therapists will conduct an initial physical evaluation to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you have due to your pain. They will then create a diagnosis that will determine the make-up of your treatment plan. You will work together to understand the goals and expectations of each treatment step, with the main focus being overcoming neck pain and recovering as quickly as possible.
Treatments for your neck pain will most likely include manual or “hands-on” therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve its range of motion. Our physical therapists will also provide you with targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck. We will focus on improving your posture and alignment to aid in the recovery of your neck muscles, as well as avoiding re-injury in the future. Additional treatment services may include ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, as your physical therapist deems fit.
What’s causing my neck pain?
Neck pain is most commonly caused by misalignment, an injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck; however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain. Some common conditions include:
Nerve compression
If you have a herniated disc in your neck, or narrowing of the foramen (space where the nerves exit the spine), the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord can become compressed. In some cases, nerve pain can even extend from the neck all the way down to the hands and fingers — a condition known as “radiculopathy.”
Injuries
Whiplash, typically sustained by an automobile or high-impact sports collision, is one of the most common injuries that result in neck pain. This is known as a “strain” injury, causing the head to whip rapidly back and forth, thus affecting the soft tissues in the back of the neck.
Muscle strains
The muscles in your neck can become strained by overuse. Even something as simple as sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen can lead to a strain in your neck muscles.
Joint degeneration
Much like any other joint in your body, the neck joints can erode with age, causing pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, also resulting in neck pain.
Illnesses
Certain diseases and ailments can result in neck pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.
Understanding neck pain
There are a number of reasons why neck pain may occur. When you experience neck pain, it typically can run from the base of your skull to the top of your shoulder blades, finally settling in the back of the neck. The pain may vary in severity, from a constant dull ache to sharp and stabbing pains.
Neck pain can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
- Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
- Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
- Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities
- Arm weakness
Relieve the pain in your neck today!
Don’t let your neck pain cause any more discomfort. Contact Schuster Physical Therapy to speak with one of our licensed physical therapists today and schedule your appointment! We will help you get started on the road toward long-lasting pain relief.
