Stressed? Tired? Can’t focus? These are common complaints from people with symptoms of neck pain. Neck pain can be debilitating, causing a person to have difficulty concentrating or performing daily tasks. Many people have experienced neck pain at some point in their lives. Some from an acute injury or more of a chronic issue. Neck pain may be caused by:
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Overuse
- Trauma
- Whiplash
- A fall
- Contact sports
OR mechanical issues:
- Herniation
- Arthritis
- Disc Degeneration
- Spinal Stenosis
Headaches are frequently associated with neck pain from muscle tension at the base of the skull. Radiating symptoms (numbness, pain, or tingling) down the arm is also associated with neck pain caused by the increase in inflammatory load to the nerve.
How can physical therapy decrease my neck pain?
The physical therapist will assess the mobility of your neck, shoulders and shoulder blades and your strength to determine your limitations and cause of pain and then develop a plan of care. With exercise and hands-on techniques and treatments, they will work with you to improve your strength and stability of your joints, ligaments, and muscles to help support your vertebrae as well as increase your mobility and decrease tension to alleviate pain. Traction is one of the effective treatments we use on the neck as it will aid in bringing fluid to the area and temporarily reduce narrowing between vertebrae in your neck. This can be done intermittently or continuously for about 10 minutes during a session.
The mechanical issues (some listed above) revealed in imaging (MRI), can be improved with physical therapy treatments as the pain is rarely stemming from the internal issue itself. Typically, it stems from an increased inflammatory load to the area in pain. This inflammation can be removed by bringing in fluid to the area with specific joint mobilization/motion and overall increased movement in the body.
Do not settle on living with neck pain or associated symptoms. Physical therapy has many tools to decrease your pain and help you become a stronger, healthier you. Call any of the Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics for a Complimentary Consultation to meet with a physical therapist to talk about your issue and concerns. We’re here to help!
Kendra Simons, PTA