Neck Pain

Your neck is an integral area of everyday movement, and sharp pains can prevent you from functioning properly in your day-to-day life. Neck pain also causes debilitating and extremely uncomfortable sensations, especially if it stretches from your neck down to your shoulders.

Whether your neck pain shows itself as difficulty when trying to sit up straight in your chair at work or tilting your head down to tie your shoes, physical therapy can help get you back to normal.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one-third of the population will experience neck pain in any given year. It can get worse if left untreated, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

There’s some good news on the horizon though — many people are able to find relief from their neck pain every year through the help of physical therapy!

Our Lansdale physical therapy practice is dedicated to providing you with the relief you need. Request your appointment to get started on the first steps toward recovery.

Common symptoms of neck pain 

Neck pain typically runs from the base of a person’s skull to the top of their shoulder blades, finally settling in the back of the neck.

The pain can vary in severity, from a constant dull ache to sharp and stabbing pains. Neck pain can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight.
• Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body.
• Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long.
• Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort.
• Numbness or tingling in the upper extremities.
• Headaches.
• Arm weakness.

There are a number of reasons why neck pain may occur, so slow down before you go Googling! The best way to be 100% sure of why you’re experiencing it is to see a therapist for an appointment.

Common reasons for experiencing neck pain

Injuries to tissues and bone are the most common reason, however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain.

Here are a few examples:

Illnesses

Certain diseases and ailments, such as rheumatoid cancer, arthritis, and meningitis.

Muscle strains

Even something as simple as sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen  can cause your neck muscles to become strained by overuse.

Compressed nerves

If you have a herniated disc in your neck, or a narrowing of the foramen (space where the nerves exit the spine), the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord can become compressed. In some cases, nerve pain can even extend from the neck all the way down to the hands and fingers — a condition known as “radiculopathy.”

Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that result in neck pain, typically sustained by an automobile or high-impact sports collision. This is known as a “strain” injury, causing the head to whip rapidly back and forth, thus affecting the soft tissues in the back of the neck.

Degenerative joint conditions

Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, also resulting in pain. Much like any other joint in your body, the neck joints can degenerate with age, causing pain.

Neck pain can be relieved with physical therapy

Physical therapy is one of the best treatments. At ProAction Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will conduct a thorough physical evaluation to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you have. 

Next, they’ll make a diagnosis that will determine what your treatment plan will be like. Together you will work to understand the goals and expectations of each step in your individualized treatment plan. The main goal will be to eliminate your neck pain and recover as quickly as possible. Oftentimes a collaborative approach involving your primary care or orthopedic physician is required to provide the maximal outcome with your therapy.

You may be wondering what treatments will most likely include. Our Lansdale physical therapists will provide you with targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck. Many therapists utilize manual or “hands-on” therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve its range of motion.

We will focus on improving your posture and provide ergonomic recommendations to aid in the recovery of your neck muscles, as well as avoiding re-injury in the future. Additional treatment services may include ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, as our physical therapist deems fit.

Ditch your neck pain

Call our office at (267) 263-2737 to speak with one of our licensed Lansdale physical therapists today and click here to request your initial appointment!

We will help you get started on the road toward long-lasting pain relief.