Neck Pain Relief

Common causes of neck pain

Injuries to tissues and bone are the most common reason for neck pain, however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain.

Some common conditions that give you pain in your neck include:

Degenerative joint conditions

Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, also resulting in neck pain. Much like any other joint in your body, the neck joints can erode with age, causing pain.

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.

Compressed nerves

If you have a herniated disc in your neck, or a 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 down to the hands and fingers — a condition known as “radiculopathy.”

Muscle strains

Even something as simple as sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen can cause your neck muscles to become strained by overuse.

Illnesses

Certain diseases and ailments can result in neck pain, such as rheumatoid cancer, arthritis, and meningitis.

What can PT treatments do for my neck pain?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for neck pain relief. Our physical therapists at Infinity Physical Therapy will perform a thorough physical evaluation to assess the range of motion in your neck as well as any limitations you may have as a result of your pain.

Your physical therapist will then determine which methods would be best for your unique treatment plan. You will work together to understand the objectives and expectations of each step of your personalized neck pain relief treatment plan, with the main goal being to get rid of your neck pain as soon as possible. If necessary, your therapist will also work with your primary care physician!

You might be wondering which treatments are likely to be included in your treatment plan. Our East Liverpool and Boardman physical therapists will prescribe specific exercises to help you strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck.

Many therapists employ manual or hands-on therapy, which consists of specific techniques designed to reduce stiffness and improve your neck’s range of motion.

We will also focus on improving your posture to aid in the recovery of your neck muscles and to avoid future injury. As determined by your physical therapist, additional treatment options may include ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.

Do you have any of these symptoms?

Neck pain typically runs from the base of a person’s 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 pain can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:

Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
Headaches
Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities
Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
Arm weakness
Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body

There are many reasons why neck pain may occur, so slow down before you go Googling!

The best way to be 100% sure of why you’re experiencing neck pain is to see a therapist for an appointment.