Physiotherapy For Neck Pain

While calling somebody a pain in the neck is a common phrase, an actual pain in the neck shouldn’t be taken so lightly. Neck pain should be taken seriously since it can interfere with everyday normal tasks while you may also lose some range of motion. In addition, neck pain can sometimes cause discomfort in your hands, arms and/or shoulders. The human neck consists of seven bones which are known vertebrae and are located on top of each other. An intervertebral disc, which is a spongy type of material, sits between each of these bones. Your neck bones are designed to protect the spinal cord as well as allow for routine motion. Since the neck is quite flexible it can rotate as well as bend sideways, forward and backward.

 

Cause of neck pain
There are numerous causes of neck pain including poor posture when sitting, trauma, whiplash, and simple wear and tear in the discs which may lead to arthritic pain. Trauma and whiplash often takes place during sports injuries or sudden jolts such as car accidents. The pain may be felt in different areas of the neck and this is why it needs to be properly diagnosed and treated. In some instances, pinched neck nerves can lead to pain, weakness, tingling or numbness down the arms and into the hands.

 

If the pain doesn’t go away after a few days or it gets worse, it’s recommended that you visit a medical professional for an expert opinion. Some doctors may prescribe medication or physical therapy or a combination of the two. At Fit Physiotherapy our highly-trained therapists will be able to diagnose and evaluate your unique condition and pin point the roots of the problem. We’ll then be able to personalize a treatment plan to help alleviate the pain and return your natural range of motion.

 

Visiting a physiotherapist
Our therapist will gather and review your health history, examine the cause of pain and test your range and quality of motion with a goniometer. Your arm strength may also be tested and your muscles will be checked for tightness and/or soreness. In addition, your spine may also be tested for mobility and your sitting posture analyzed. You may be asked to perform specific physical movements or tasks so your functional mobility can be accurately assessed.

 

Treatment
At Fit Physiotherapy, your therapist will work hand in hand with you during the treatment process to help you recover as quickly as possible and to develop a strategy to help the pain from recurring. The passive and active treatment for your neck pain may include one of or a combination of several things. These include exercises and strengthening exercises to improve your range of movement and lessen the pain. Cervical traction could also be used to ease pain on any irritated nerves if you suffer from arthritis or if you have a herniated or bulging disc.

 

If your posture needs correcting we will suggest certain methods to improve it and may suggest using lumbar support. Deep tissue massage is a common remedy for sore and tight muscles, tendons and ligaments which are causing neck pain as are therapeutic modalities including TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and ultrasound. In addition, heat and ice treatments are typically effective in decreasing inflammation and relaxing your muscles. With the proper care and personal treatment from our team of skilled therapists at Fit Physiotherapy of Newmarket, the pain in your neck should disappear in a few weeks with your full range of motion, stability, strength, and flexibility returning.