How can physiotherapy help relieve my neck pain?
Physiotherapy is one of the best methods for treating pain in the neck. At PhysioPlus Health Group Toronto, our physiotherapists and chiropractors will perform a thorough physical evaluation to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you may have due to your pain.
Next, they will make a diagnosis that will determine what your treatment plan is going to look like. You’ll work together to understand the objectives and expectations of each step of your individual treatment plan. The main goal is to eliminate pain in your neck and recover as quickly as possible. If necessary, your therapist will also work with your doctor!
You may be wondering what treatments for your neck pain are most likely to include. Our Bloor West Village and Kingsway physiotherapists and chiropractors will provide you with targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues of your neck. Many therapists use manual or hands-on therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve its range of motion.
We’ll focus on improving your posture to help your neck muscles recover, as well as avoiding future re-injury. Additional treatment services may include exercises, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation as our physiotherapist and chiropractor deem appropriate.
Common reasons for experiencing 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:
Arthritis, 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 wear down with age, causing pain.
Posture
Poor posture during our day to activities causes strain in the muscles and joints of our neck and is one of the most common reasons for neck 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 all the way down to the hands and fingers — a condition known as “radiculopathy.”
Muscle strain & tension
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 and tight from overuse.
Are you noticing 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:
- Arm weakness
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling into your arm or hand
- Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
- Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
- Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body
- Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
There are a number of 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.
READY TO RELIEVE THE PAINS IN YOUR NECK?
Your neck pain may be controlling your life, but it doesn’t have to.
Call our office at (416) 760-8280 to speak with one of our licensed Bloor West Village and The Kingsway physiotherapists and chiropractors today and click here to request your initial appointment!
We will help you get started on the road toward long-lasting pain relief.
