Turtles only travel when they stick their necks out, according to a Korean saying. The neck bears one-seventh of the body’s weight is our most freely moving body component, and we’re severely limited when we have neck pain!”Unfortunately, popping pain relievers is a frequent response to neck discomfort, but this just treats the symptoms, not the root of the problem. To effectively treat neck discomfort, you must first identify and treat the underlying cause. Physical therapy, fortunately, is quite helpful in treating most neck injuries and diseases. Let’s have a look at the indications and symptoms of neck discomfort, as well as typical disorders connected with it. You can finally get the relief you’ve been looking for. At Leading Edge Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, we genuinely care about your well-being.
Recovery is indeed a manifestation of the law of nature, efforts of the patient, and guidance from a physical therapist to visit leading-edge physiotherapy and rehabilitation to get the relief you have been waiting for !!
Symptoms
According to the study, neck pain affects “about 10% of the adult population at any given moment.” The number of vertebrae in a human neck is the same as that of a giraffe’s long neck. The pain in your neck might range from a faint ache to a powerful electric shock. This pain can occur in your neck, arms, shoulders, upper back, chest, and head, among other places (in the form of headaches). In addition to generating discomfort, neck diseases can obstruct movement due to muscle stiffness, tightness, and tension.
- Neck Strain
Most of the neck pain is caused by strained neck muscles. Consider how slouching and poor posture, gazing downward at your phone or tablet, wearing a shoulder bag, cradling your phone, installing a ceiling fan (staring upward), and sleeping in an unusual position can all cause strains, sprains, or spasms in your neck.
- Neck Trauma
Neck pain can also be caused by trauma. Falling or whiplash, in which your neck jerks backward and forth (in a whip-like motion) because of a car accident or other impact- or force-related damage, are prominent examples. Neck discomfort can also be caused by emotional trauma.
- Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts three months or more. Untreated muscle knots, strain, or rigidity can cause chronic neck pain. In the future, the pain may spread to the shoulders, chest, upper back, and/or arms. It can also cause headaches or migraines, as well as make it difficult to move around. Numbness, tingling, and weakness are possible side effects. Other symptoms of chronic pain include fatigue, sadness, and anxiety.
Visit leading-edge physiotherapy and rehabilitation to get the relief you have been waiting for.
Neck Pain Conditions
Conditions associated with neck pain include:
- Ankylosing spondylitis: This inflammatory disorder causes some spinal vertebrae to fuse together, making the spine less flexible and perhaps causing a hunched-forward posture.
- Cervical dystonia: In this uncommon condition, neck muscles contract spontaneously, causing the head to shift to the side or tilt forward or backward.
- Cervical spondylosis: This is an age-related condition in which the spine’s discs dry out and shrink over time, resulting in osteoarthritis.
- Fibromyalgia: This incurable disease is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, as well as fatigue, sleep, cognitive, and emotional issues.
- Herniated disc: In this condition, the softer interior of a spinal disc—a rubbery cushion between the vertebrae—seeps out of a fissure in the harder exterior.
- Meningitis: In this condition, the membranes that surround the neck and spinal cord become inflamed.
- Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis occurs when the protecting cartilage on bones wears away over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This inflammatory disease affects the joints of the hands and feet.
- Spinal stenosis: This syndrome arises as to the open spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spine and nerves.
- TMJ disorders: The jaw’s temporomandibular joint is implicated in a number of diseases that cause pain in the joint and surrounding muscles.
Therapeutic treatment for Neck Pain:
If you have mild to moderate neck discomfort because of an injury, trauma, strain, or sprain, don’t panic. To begin, try to avoid moving your neck too much, relax as much as possible, and freeze the affected area. In a few days, the discomfort should subside.
Physical therapy is a highly successful treatment for neck discomfort, and every state, as well as the District of Columbia, offers some sort of direct access to physical therapy, which means you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a PT. However, you should check with your insurance provider to determine what physical therapy your policy requires and allows. If you’re looking for a physical therapist, look for one who specializes in orthopedics, spinal care, and/or neck discomfort.
Your physical therapist will work to strengthen and improve the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the vertebrae, addressing the source of the pain rather than just the symptoms. Your PT will do an initial examination at your first appointment, which may include:
- determining the range and quality of mobility in the neck
- Strengthening the muscles of the neck, back, shoulder, chest, and arm.
- Identifying the level of sensitivity to touch.
- Observing one’s stance.
- Functional mobility is assessed based on your ability to complete a set of tasks.
The PT can then develop a treatment plan that is specific to the breadth of the problem and your present health based on the results of the first examination. The plan of care will also include the number and duration of sessions necessary to achieve your treatment goals.
Leading Edge is setting new standards in physiotherapy by combining passion and knowledge to provide the optimal remedy for your care.
Physical therapy treatment for neck pain may include:
- Joint mobilization and manipulation
- Cervical traction (moderate neck stretching)
- Strength and stretching exercises
- Postural corrections and ergonomic recommendations
You will set yourself up to regain normal mobility and function and eliminate your neck discomfort as early as possible if you attend all PT sessions, complete the plan of care, and follow the suggested home exercises. After you’ve finished treatment, your PT may advise you to do some stretching and strengthening exercises at home to keep your neck healthy and flexible. This may prevent you from re-injuring yourself or developing chronic pain.
