Neck Pain Relief
Finding Relief Doesn’t Have to be a Pain in the Neck – Physical Therapy at AxisPro PT & Lymphedema Clinic in Rockledge, FL or Melbourne, FL Can Relieve Your Neck Pains ASAP
Your neck is an integral area of everyday movement, and sharp pains can prevent you from functioning properly in your day-to-day life. Whether your neck pain presents 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 a normal, pain-free function.
Neck pain can cause debilitating and extremely uncomfortable sensations, especially if the pain stretches from your neck down to your shoulders. 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 even be needed.
Many people are able to find relief from their neck pain every year through the help of physical therapy. Our Melbourne, FL and Rockledge, FL physical therapy practice is dedicated to providing you with the relief you need.
Physical therapy and neck pain
Physical therapy is one of the best methods for treating neck pain. At AxisPro Physical Therapy & Lymphedema Clinic, our physical therapists will conduct an initial physical evaluation to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you have due to your pain.
They will then create a diagnosis that will determine the make-up of your treatment plan. You will work together to understand the goals and expectations of each step in your individualized treatment plan, with the main focus being overcoming neck pain and recovering as quickly as possible.
Treatments for your neck pain will most likely include manual or “hands-on” therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve its range of motion. Our Melbourne, FL and Rockledge, FL physical therapists will also provide you with targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck.
We will focus on improving your posture 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.
What’s causing my neck pain?
Neck pain is most commonly caused by injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck; however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain. Some common conditions that give you a pain in your neck include:
Joint degeneration
Much like any other joint in your body, the neck joints can erode with age, causing pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, also resulting in neck pain.
Illnesses
Certain diseases and ailments can result in neck pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.
Nerve compression
If you have a herniated disc in your neck, or 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.”
Muscle strains
The muscles in your neck can become strained by overuse. Even something as simple as sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen can lead to a strain in your neck muscles.
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.
Why did my neck pain develop?
There are a number of reasons why neck pain may occur. When someone experiences neck pain, it typically runs from the base of their 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
- Arm weakness
- Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
- Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
- Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities
- Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body
- Headaches
Find relief for your neck pain today
Don’t let your daily discomfort be a pain in the neck any longer. Contact Us today at Melbourne, FL Center or Rockledge, FL location to speak with one of our licensed physical therapists, and schedule your initial appointment! We will help you get started on the road toward long-lasting pain relief.
FAQs
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
The pain you experience in your back may either be acute or chronic, depending on how it was sustained. Acute pain means that it lasts for a short time and is usually severe. Chronic pain means that it lasts generally three months or longer and it can either cause dull or severe persistent pain. The pain you experience is typically either rooted in your back muscles or the bones in your spine. If your pain is severe enough to hinder you from doing daily tasks, if it suddenly worsens, or if it has lasted longer than three months, then it is time to seek the help of a physical therapist.
How do I get relief from back pain?
You can treat your back pain with physical therapy. Physical therapy can address back pain by helping to improve your range of motion, strengthening the muscles in the affected areas, and using targeted massage to reduce tension. In many situations, working with a physical therapist to improve can significantly reduce the severity of your back pain, and may even help you avoid more invasive procedures, such as surgery.
What is the best physical therapy treatment for back pain?
Your physical therapist will design a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Your individualized treatment plan will incorporate the best methods possible for relieving your pain, facilitating the healing process, and restoring function and movement to the affected area(s) of your back. Your initial appointment will consist of a comprehensive evaluation, which will help your physical therapist discover which forms of treatment will be best for the orthopedic, neurologic, or cardiovascular condition you are experiencing. The main stages of your plan will focus on pain relief, which may include any combination of ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, posture improvement, targeted stretches and exercises, or any other treatment that your physical therapist may deem fit. While there is no singular method for relieving back pain, your physical therapist will make sure you receive the best treatments for your needs.
How do you relieve back pain without drugs?
While medication is easy, it only helps your pain subside for a short amount of time. Over time, certain drugs can cause some unfavorable side effects, and in some cases, they can be habit-forming. With NSAIDs, you run the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. With corticosteroids, you run the risk of cataracts, high blood sugar levels, and bone loss. Luckily, there is a much safer and healthier alternative to treating persistent back pain: physical therapy. At your initial consultation, your physical therapist will ask you several questions regarding your medical history, lifestyle, and painful area(s). This information will assist your physical therapist in creating the best treatment plan for you and your specific needs, so you can be provided with long-term results.
