Longevity logo

Does Physical Therapy Provide Neck Pain Relief?

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for neck pain resulting from numerous conditions and injuries.

By Samantha DavisPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
Like

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for neck pain resulting from numerous conditions and injuries. Physical therapists are experts who can locate the underlying cause of pain in the neck and develop an individualized treatment plan for their patients to promote neck pain relief, Chase City, VA improve mobility, and get back to their regular activities.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) reports that approximately 30% of the US population suffers neck pain each year. Neck pain can be acute or chronic, but one could not get complete relief without finding the source of pain. That is what physical therapy does to patients who suffer pain in their necks.

Why Does My Neck Hurt?

The neck plays a vital role in our everyday lives by supporting the head and providing a wide range of motion and flexibility, thus allowing us to look in multiple directions. Due to its extensive usage, the neck is highly susceptible to injuries and limits normal mobility in chronic pain sufferers.

The most common causes of neck pain are:

Arthritis in the neck is termed cervical osteoarthritis that results from wear and tear of the spinal discs in the neck. It leads to neck pain and stiffness along with bone spurs, which may cause headaches and nerve root pain in the shoulders, arms, or hands.

Cervical Herniated Disc occurs due to the protrusion of the inner layer of the disc that adds extensive pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It causes neck stiffness and inflammation in the surrounding muscles, joints, and nerve roots.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs as a result of narrowing of the protective spinal canal of the neck, thus causing increased pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This condition can be caused due to herniated disc or injuries. It causes neck pain, weakness, and numbness in the shoulders or arms.

Whiplash, an injury to the neck caused due to rapid forward and backward movement of the neck during rear-end car accidents, sports accidents, or sudden trauma.

Poor posture is also the primary cause of chronic neck pain. Holding the head forward is a poor posture that can cause increased stress on the cervical spine and rounded upper back, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck.

How Physical Therapy Benefits in Promoting Neck Pain Relief?

A physician may perform a physical exam, X-Rays, and MRI test to analyze the soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons. Then they suggest the patients visit physical therapists who determine the source of pain and treat accordingly. Physical therapy can help patients who suffer neck pain with the following benefits.

Reduce Pain - Specific therapeutic exercises and physical therapy modalities effectively alleviate pain and stiffness in the neck joints and accelerate the healing process.

Increase Strength - Physical therapists design an individualized exercise plan including stretches and strengthening exercises that improve strength and flexibility in the affected area.

Improve Range of Motion - Strengthening the muscles provide a greater range of motion and relieve excess pressure on the spine, thus promoting neck pain relief.

Prevent Recurring Pain - Physical therapists educate the patients on proper posture and good lifestyle changes that aids in the prevention of recurring neck pain.

Avoid Surgery - Surgery can increase the risk of infection and takes more time for complete recovery. But physical therapy, with its effective non-invasive methods, reduces neck pain and improves the condition of patients without the need for surgery.

No Side Effects - Medications can cause side effects, but physical therapy reduces the patients’ dependency on medications and avoids side effects.

Physical Therapy Treatments for Neck Pain

The following physical therapy treatments are effective in treating neck pain and improving the quality of the patients’ life.

1) Therapeutic Exercises

Neck stretching exercises can relieve stiffness in the muscles that lead to poor posture and pain. Neck strengthening exercises move the head closer to the neutral position and help ease neck pain. Aerobic exercises elevate the heart rate and improve blood flow to the neck, thus enhancing the amount of nutrients reaching the neck and spine. Aquatic exercises support the patients’ weight, enhance muscle blood flow, and reduce the risk of further injury in the neck.

2) Massage Therapy

Physical therapists address the soft tissues of the body that cause neck pain with the help of massage therapy. They use their hands and fingers to apply varying pressure over the affected muscles and manipulate the soft tissues. Massage therapy induces relaxation in patients, reduces pain, stress, and neck muscle tension.

3) Hot/Cold Therapy

Heat therapy performed using heated packs increases blood circulation to the affected neck muscles and improves nutrients to that area. Cold therapy performed using ice packs reduces pain and inflammation in the stiffened neck muscles.

4) Ultrasound Therapy

In ultrasound therapy, physical therapists use sound waves to treat connective tissue injuries like sprains and strains in the neck. These sound waves produce vibration, increase heat in the affected areas and start the healing process. Ultrasound therapy is effective in reducing pain and relaxing the affected neck muscles.

health
Like

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.