To better understand the possible causes of neck pain, let’s first get to know the structure of the spine. The adult spine consists of twenty-four stacked vertebrae atop the sacrum of the pelvis and the coccyx or tailbone. The neck, also known as the cervical spine, consists of seven vertebrae that comprise the space between the base of the skull and the upper back or thoracic spine. The spinal cord runs through a canal created by these vertebrae. Through small holes in the vertebrae, spinal nerves that control motor and sensory function of the upper body exit the spinal canal.

Intervertebral discs sit between all but the uppermost two vertebrae providing cushion, shock absorption and support. Additionally, there are many muscles in the neck. Some muscles are more superficial--closer to the skin--and often help in moving or positioning the head and arms.

Deep layers of muscles lie close to and help move and stabilize the spine. Any of these anatomical structures may be involved in neck pain or injury and your physical therapist will perform a series of tests and measures to help them localize the cause.

WHAT SYMPTOMS OF NECK PAIN CAN IMPROVE WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY?

• Aching, burning, sharp or dull pain in the neck or upper back.
• Aching, burning, sharp or dull pain that radiates into the arms and hands.
• Numbness or tingling in the neck, arms and hands.
• Muscle weakness in the arms and hands.
• Feelings of tightness in neck muscles.

Neck pain may be caused by a number of conditions affecting the bones, nerves, intervertebral discs and soft tissue in the cervical spine. Here are some possible causes of neck pain that we see in our clinic:

• Degenerative disc disease.
• Disc herniation.
• Fracture.
• Muscle strain.
• Spinal stenosis.
• Postural dysfunctions.
• Cervical radiculopathy or pinched nerves.
• Spinal tumor.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Bone spurs.

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your neck pain issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized neck pain physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your back pain PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

HOW DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ADDRESS NECK PAIN?

The goal of physical therapy treatment for neck pain is to relieve symptoms while addressing any underlying or contributing factors that may predispose you to recurrence or progression of your pain. As mentioned above, my team and I will create an individualized treatment plan based on your unique presentation and the findings of our exam but here are some treatments commonly used to manage neck pain:

Reduce pain, inflammation and irritation: While completely eliminating your symptoms may take time, making you more comfortable in the meantime is an important first step in your rehabilitation. Applying ice or heat or electrical stimulation to the affected area can often give you some relief. Soft tissue mobilization or gentle joint mobilization may also be employed by your physical therapist to reduce tissue irritation.

Improve flexibility: When a joint lacks the flexibility needed to perform a movement optimally, extra stress and strain may occur in the spine. Your neck PT program may include stretching, myofascial release techniques, joint mobilization and mobility exercises to improve flexibility in the neck itself but also in other areas of the body such as the shoulders and lower spine.

Build up your strength: Just as lack of flexibility around joints of the arms and spine can lead to pain or tightness in the neck, lack of strength and stability can too. You will learn exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the cervical spine and shoulders to properly control the spine and also in the arms to minimize excess strain transfer to the neck.

Optimize your movement: Learning proper biomechanics and enhancing the neuromuscular control of joints and muscles is an essential component of healing and preventing neck injuries. Physical therapists are movement experts and through analyzing your movements, can guide you in improving how you move and train your muscles to perform those movements in the safest and most effective way possible.

If you are dealing with neck pain and are ready to find a long-lasting solution to your pain call us today to learn more about our services and schedule an evaluation