Chronic neck pain is a condition that can be treated with physical therapy, which is one of the most common treatments for this type of pain. Physical therapy for neck pain often involves a combination of treatments to reduce pain and stiffness, followed by exercises designed to strengthen and stretch the neck.
The specific methods and practices used during physical therapy may vary from person to person, and the duration of the treatment plan will depend on the individual’s needs.
How Does it Feel?
People experiencing neck pain may describe stiffness and pain in the neck.
- Sharp.
- Stabbing.
- Dull.
- Aching.
- Throbbing.
- Tingling.
Neck pain can sometimes be caused by irritated nerves, resulting in discomfort extending from the upper back, shoulders, shoulder blades, arms, or even to the hands. This condition is referred to as “radiculopathy.” Your physical therapist can assist in determining if this condition is present and will work closely with your physician and surgeon to establish the most appropriate treatment plan.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Chronic neck pain can result from various factors, and sometimes, it is difficult to determine the origin of the pain. Physical Therapy can improve neck strength and range of motion and reduce pain, even when the cause is unknown.
Some common causes of neck pain include:
- Postural Neck Pain: Incorrect posture can cause extra strain on the neck’s vertebrae.
- Herniated Disc or Bulging Disc: Discs in the spinal column are a shock absorber between vertebrae. If any are damaged or slip out of place, irritation to the surrounding nerves can cause pain.
- Spinal Stenosis: Aging adults commonly experience spinal canal narrowing, which puts pressure on spinal nerves.
- Neck Arthritis (cervical spondylosis): This type of arthritis is an age-related breakdown in the protective cartilage of the cervical spine.
- Injury: Injuries such as whiplash can harm the tissue and joints in the neck.
- Surgery: Certain cervical surgeries, such as neck vertebrae fusion, can result in pain and stiffness lasting several weeks or more.
Most experts agree that Physical Therapy is an effective option for neck pain. Studies have shown that physical therapy can improve posture, reduce pain and stiffness, alleviate muscle spasms, and increase neck function for most patients.
Goals of Physical Therapy for Neck Pain
When undergoing physical therapy for neck pain, the following goals are typically pursued:
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Improve head and neck range of motion
- Develop dynamic strengthening of the neck and its supporting musculature
- Develop strategies to prevent pain from recurring
Even if pain cannot be eliminated, Physical Therapy may be necessary to improve neck posture and function for daily movements.
When Physical Therapy May Be Recommended
Physical therapy may be recommended for various neck conditions.
- Unspecified chronic pain: Identifying the source or mechanism of persistent or recurring neck pain can be challenging. Even without a diagnosis, increasing the neck muscles’ strength may help them support the cervical spine better and become more pain-resistant.
- Recovering from injury: Some injuries, such as whiplash, can damage the neck’s soft tissues and joints, resulting in pain and/or stiffness lasting for weeks or much longer. A physical therapy program can alleviate pain and improve neck function.
- Recovering from surgery: Certain neck surgeries may lead to significant pain and stiffness in the weeks and months following the procedure. For instance, an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) surgery involves fusing two or more vertebrae in the neck, which can affect the movement of specific neck and upper back muscles. In these cases, physical therapy could be beneficial in easing stiffness, improving neck function, and reducing or preventing painful spasms by reconditioning the muscles.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Relief
There are numerous benefits of Physical Therapy for Neck Pain relief. Some of them are:
- Reduce pain and other symptoms
- Avoid Surgery
- Improve Posture
- Improve Motion
- Improve Flexibility
- Improve Strength
- Improve Endurance
When to Avoid Physical Therapy for Neck Pain
In some cases, physical therapy may not be practical or could exacerbate neck pain. It is usually not advised for chronic neck pain if any of the following apply:
- Significant spinal instability: Sometimes, the cervical spine is not stable enough for exercise, such as if a vertebral bone is fractured or spinal degeneration causes spinal cord or nerve root compression. In spinal injury cases, physical therapy should be resumed only after stabilizing the spine.
- Underlying severe medical issue: If neck pain is caused by an infection or tumor, treatment of the underlying condition is necessary. For example, if a cancerous tumor contributes to neck pain, exercising will not reduce the tumor size, and the problem can grow and worsen.
Physical Therapy Treatment Methods
Physical therapy comes in two common forms:
- Passive physical Therapy involves treatments being applied without effort from the patient. Numerous treatment methods are available, such as ice packs, heat therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, etc. Passive Physical Therapy aims to alleviate pain and inflammation by utilizing various techniques that do not require active participation from the patient.
- Active physical Therapy involves the patient moving their body through exercises and stretches. By improving strength and flexibility in the neck, these muscles may become less painful and better able to maintain good posture, which reduces stress on the cervical spine.
The initial phase of Physical Therapy might involve more passive treatments, but more active treatments will likely be incorporated as time progresses.
Conclusion
Physical Therapy is a highly effective and holistic approach to alleviating neck pain. Through a combination of targeted exercises, manual techniques, and education, it addresses not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of neck discomfort.
Remember, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis and guidance on the best course of Physical Therapy for your specific condition.
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