Neck pain in Columbia
Experiencing neck pain can be more than just an annoyance; it can severely impact your daily life, hindering simple tasks and routines. When left untreated, what starts as a minor ache can escalate into chronic issues, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention. The intense and persistent pain in your neck can impede your ability to carry out day-to-day functions with ease. Our physical therapy services are tailored to address and relieve this discomfort. Whether you’re struggling with maintaining a proper posture at your workstation or finding it hard to bend over to tie your shoes, our therapeutic approaches are versatile enough to address various types of neck pain.
Different Forms of Neck Pain
Neck pain can present itself in numerous ways. Often starting at the base of the skull, it can radiate down to the shoulders and sometimes into the back. This pain can vary from a constant, dull ache to a sharp, debilitating pain.
Other common symptoms include:
- Frequent headaches
- Stiffness and tightness in the neck and upper back
- Tingling or numbness
- Pain when sitting still for extended periods
- Sleep disturbances due to discomfort
- Arm weakness
- Challenges in holding a proper posture
Common Causes of Neck Pain
The primary cause of neck pain is often related to injury or strain on the neck’s muscles and bones. Other contributing factors include:
Injuries. Whiplash is a common neck injury, usually resulting from car accidents or sports, causing rapid head motion that damages the neck’s soft tissues.
Muscle strain. Overuse of neck muscles, such as from prolonged poor posture while using computers, can lead to muscle strain.
Nerve compression. Conditions like herniated disks can compress nerves emanating from the spinal cord, resulting in radiculopathy – nerve pain extending from the neck down to the fingers.
Illnesses. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer can lead to neck pain.
Joint degeneration. Neck joints can wear down over time, leading to pain. Osteoarthritis and other conditions can cause the cartilage in the neck’s vertebrae to deteriorate.
Physical Therapy for Neck Pain in Columbia
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for neck pain. Our experienced therapists begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your neck’s condition, range of motion, and pain points. This evaluation guides the creation of a personalized treatment plan. Together, you and your therapist will set achievable goals, primarily focusing on reducing neck pain and helping you quickly return to regular activities.
Our approach to treating neck pain centers on manual therapy. This hands-on technique aims to reduce stiffness and improve neck mobility. Additionally, our therapists will guide you through specific exercises to strengthen and rehabilitate your neck muscles and tissues. Our goal is to aid in your recovery, improve your posture, and prevent future neck issues. Our therapist may also recommend adjunct therapies such as cryotherapy, heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, depending on your situation.
Get Help for Neck Pain in Columbia
Don’t let neck pain control your life. Contact us for an initial consultation with one of our qualified physical therapists. Begin your path to lasting relief from neck pain with our expert care and support.