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 pains in any given year. It can get worse if left untreated, and in severe cases, surgery may even be needed.
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 get you back to a normal, pain-free function. Many people are able to find relief from their neck pain every year through the help of physical therapy. Our physical therapy practice is dedicated to providing you with the relief you need. If you are suffering from neck pains, request an appointment from Pinnacle Physical Therapy & Personal Training today!
Neck pain: defined
There are a number of reasons why neck pain may occur. When someone experiences it, it typically runs from the base of their skull to the top of their shoulder blades, finally settling in the back of the neck. The pain can vary in severity, from a constant dull ache to sharp and stabbing pains. Neck pains can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Headaches
- Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body
- Numbness or tingling
- Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
- Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
- Arm weakness
- Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
Why do I have neck pain?
It is most commonly caused by injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck; however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pains. Some common conditions that give you a pain in your neck include:
- Injuries. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that result in neck pain, typically sustained by an automobile or high-impact sports collision. 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.
- Nerve compression. If you have a herniated disc in your neck, 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.”
- Illnesses. Certain diseases and ailments can result in pain in Neck, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.
- Joint degeneration. Much like any other joint in your body, the neck joints can erode with age, causing pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, also resulting pain in neck.
How will physical therapy solve my neck pain issues?
According to WebMD, physical therapy is one of the best methods for treating neck pains. At Pinnacle Physical Therapy & Personal Training, our physical 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 step in your individualized treatment plan, with the main focus being overcoming neck pains and recovering as quickly as possible.
Treatments for your neck pains will most likely include manual or “hands-on” therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce 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 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 therapies, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, as our physical therapist deems fit.
Don’t let your daily discomfort be a pain in the neck any longer. Contact Us Today at Columbia, SC Center to speak with one of our licensed physical therapists today and schedule your initial consultation! Our physical therapists will help you get started on the road toward long-lasting pain relief.