Is Neck Pain Bringing You Down? Treat It with Physical Therapy.
Neck pain can make everyday life harder, since the neck plays an important role in daily movement. Neck pain—especially when it radiates from the neck into the shoulders—can be painful and even debilitating.
If neck pain is keeping you from doing everyday tasks comfortably—like sitting upright at your desk or bending your head down to tie your shoes—physical therapy can help you return to normal, pain-free function.
Without treatment, it may worsen and, in severe cases, surgery could even become necessary. But here’s the good news: many people find relief each year with the help of physical therapy!
Recover Fisioterapia & Rehabilitacion is dedicated to providing the care you need to relieve your neck pain. Schedule an appointment with us today and start your path to recovery!
Common Symptoms of Neck Pain You May Be Experiencing
Neck pain typically extends from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulder blades and is felt along the back of the neck.
The pain can vary in intensity, ranging from a constant dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations. Neck pain may also be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Discomfort or pain when staying in the same position for long periods
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling in the upper extremities
- Difficulty standing fully upright or sitting straight
- Trouble sleeping due to pain and discomfort
- Weakness in the arms or shoulders
- Muscle stiffness and tension in the upper body
Reasons Why You May Be Experiencing Neck Pain
Injuries to the soft tissues and bones are the most common causes of neck pain; however, certain degenerative conditions can also contribute to it.
Some common conditions that may cause neck pain include:
- Muscle strains: Even something as simple as sitting at a desk all day with your neck extended toward a computer screen can lead to overuse and muscle strain in the neck.
- Injuries: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with neck pain, often resulting from car accidents or high-impact sports collisions. This type of “strain” injury causes the head to move rapidly back and forth, affecting the soft tissues at the back of the neck.
- Pinched nerves: If you have a herniated disc in your neck or narrowing of the foramen (the space where nerves exit the spine), the nerves branching from the spinal cord may become compressed. In some cases, nerve pain can radiate from the neck into the hands and fingers—a condition known as radiculopathy.
- Degenerative joint conditions: Conditions such as osteoarthritis can reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, leading to pain. Like other joints in the body, the joints in the neck can wear down with age and cause discomfort.
- Diseases: Certain diseases and conditions can also cause neck pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, spinal stenosis, and meningitis.
There are many other possible reasons for neck pain—so slow down before turning to Google! The best way to know exactly what’s causing your neck pain is to consult a physical therapist and schedule an evaluation.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help with Neck Pain?
One of the most effective treatments for neck pain is physical therapy. Our physical therapists at Recover Fisioterapia & Rehabilitacion will perform a comprehensive physical examination to assess your neck’s range of motion and identify any limitations caused by pain. This helps determine which treatments are best suited for your specific recovery plan. You’ll collaborate with your therapist to set goals and expectations at each step of your personalized treatment plan, with the ultimate goal of relieving your neck pain as quickly as possible.
Our physical therapists will prescribe targeted exercises to strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues of your neck. Your therapist may also use hands-on manual therapy techniques designed to reduce stiffness and increase neck mobility.
In addition, we’ll focus on improving your posture to support muscle recovery and help prevent future injuries. If needed, our physical therapist can also collaborate with your primary care physician to ensure comprehensive care.