Get Rid of Your Pain In The Neck With Physical Therapy!

The old saying “That’s such a pain in the neck!” is more than just a phrase. Many people experience debilitating and uncomfortable pain in their neck that often radiates down into their shoulders! According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one-third of the population will experience neck pain per year. If left untreated, neck pain can become severe and unbearable, and sometimes even result in pricey surgery.

You use your neck constantly every single day. It’s an integral part of proper movement. Sharp pains in your neck can seriously prevent you from functioning properly during your daily activities. Whether your neck pain presents difficulty when you’re attempting to sit up straight in your chair, or shows up as you tilt your head downwards to tie your shoes, physical therapy can help! Many people are able to find copious amounts of relief for their neck pain every year thanks to physical therapy. Our Lexington, KY physical therapy practice is dedicated to providing you with the relief you need and deserve.

What is neck pain?

Neck pain can occur for any number of reasons. Typically neck pain goes from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulder blades and settles in the very back of the neck. The severity of the pain can vary from a dull ache to a sharp and stabbing pain, and sometimes, neck pain even includes additional bothersome symptoms. Below are a few:

• Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long

• Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort

• Arm weakness

• Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body

• Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities

• Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight

• Headaches

Why am I experiencing neck pain?

Usually neck pain is caused from injuries received to the bone structures or tissues in the neck. There are also degenerative conditions that often lead to neck pain.

Illnesses

There are many diseases and conditions that can result in neck pain. Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and meningitis are just a few.

Degeneration of joints

Neck joints can erode with age much like any other joint in your body. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also wear down the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, resulting in neck pain.

Injuries

Sometimes after being involved in an automobile or high impact accident, you can receive a condition called whiplash. iThis is known as a “strain” injury, as it causes the head to whip rapidly to and fro, thus affecting the soft tissues in the back of the neck.

Muscle strains

Even something as mundane and normal as sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen can lead to a strain in your neck muscles. Because of this, it’s important to take regular breaks from desk work.

Compression of nerves

If you have a herniated disc in your neck, or narrowing of the foramen (space where the nerves exit the spine), the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord can become pinched or compressed. In some cases, nerve pain will extend from your neck all the way down to your hands and fingers — a condition known as “radiculopathy.”

How can physical therapy bring me relief from neck pain?

Physical therapy is easily one of the best, most effective treatment methods out there for neck pain. At Advantage Orthopedic PT, our physical therapists will do a thorough initial assessment of your body to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any restrictions you have due to your pain.

From there they will be able to create a diagnosis that can help them determine what exercises will go into your customized treatment plan. Together you will work to understand the expectations and goals of each part of your care plan, with the ultimate focus being overcoming neck pain and recovering as soon as possible!

Most likely you will have manual or “hands-on” therapy treatments for your neck pain somewhere in your care plan. This kind of therapy consists of special techniques that are created to decrease the amount of stiffness you feel in your neck as well as improve your neck’s range of motion. Our Lexington, KY physical therapists will also give you special exercises that are targeted at strengthening, building, and improving the muscles and tissues in your neck. Their focus will revolve around improving your posture to assist with the recovery of your neck muscles, as well as avoiding re-injury in the future. Your therapist may also include heat and ice therapy, ultrasound therapy (sending soothing heat into deep tissues for relief) or electrical stimulation.

Interested in learning more? Be sure to read our blog post to learn how PT can help you today!

Get started with physical therapy today

You don’t have to keep living with that annoying pain in your neck! Contact Us Today at Lexington, KY Center for more information and to schedule your initial consultation. One of our experienced Lexington, KY physical therapists is ready and waiting to help get you started on the road toward long-lasting pain relief!