Neck Pain
US Rehabilitation’s Physical Therapy Guide to Neck Pain
Neck pain is pain felt in the back of the neck – the upper spine area, just below the head. When certain nerves are affected, the pain can extend beyond the back of the neck to areas such as the upper back, shoulder, and arm. It is estimated that neck pain affects approximately 30% of the US population each year. Neck pain can be caused by sudden trauma such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident, or by long-term problems in the spine.
Neck pain most frequently affects adults aged 30 to 50 years. Some studies indicate that women are more likely to suffer neck pain than men. Poor posture, obesity, smoking, repetitive lifting, office and computer work, and involvement in athletic activity are all risk factors for developing neck pain.
People with neck pain can have difficulty performing activities such as working, driving, playing sports, or simply turning their heads. The majority of neck pain episodes do not require surgery and respond best to physical therapy. Physical therapists design individualized treatment programs to help people with neck pain reduce or eliminate pain, regain normal movement, and get back to their regular activities.
US Rehabilitation’s Physical Therapists are movement experts. We improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact us directly for an evaluation.
What Does US Rehabilitation do for Neck Pain Relief?
A US Rehabilitation’s Physical Therapists are movement experts who can help relieve neck pain through prescribed exercise and the use of various modalities. Not only that, but therapeutic exercises can also improve your neck’s flexibility and range of motion and make it stronger. It is one of the most effective conservative treatments for neck pain.
US Rehabilitation’s Physical Therapists discuss the patient’s goals and help with achieving them. Patients with neck pain usually look forward to achieving:
- Relief from pain
- Reduced neck stiffness
- Improved neck range of motion
- Stronger neck muscles
- Improved daily function
- Prevention of chronic neck issues
US Rehabilitation Uses Passive and Active Therapy
US Rehabilitation will use a combination of active and passive treatment.
Passive means the treatments are applied by the physical therapist is usually used earlier in the treatment, so exercises prescribed later will be more effective. We may use ice and heat, cold compression, perform massages, use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and much more.
Cold Compression is the combination of compression and cold which has been clinically proven to be more effective than ice therapy alone. Cold alleviates pain and reduces swelling by restricting blood flow to the area, and compression also reduces swelling and allows the therapeutic cold to penetrate deeper and last longer.
Ultrasound transducer is passed over the skin to let sound waves reach the tissues for muscle relaxation and relief from pain.
Electrical stimulation involves the use of electrodes and wires connected to a battery-powered device, which deliver electrical current to stimulate the sensory nerves. The result is pain relief. In a study, patients with neck pain and stiffness who received electrical stimulation had a significant reduction in pain.
Active exercises are those that are applied by the patient. It usually includes stretching and strengthening exercises, which build neck strength, improve flexibility, and train the muscles that are attached to the cervical spine. Stronger back and core muscles also help provide proper support for the spine and prevent neck pain. Initially, US Rehabilitation’s physical therapists will teach patients light exercises and guide them through each to make sure they are performed correctly. Intensity will be increased gradually over time.
There is substantial evidence that shows physical therapy helps patients achieve relief from neck pain. If you have neck pain and are interested in physical therapy, choose US Rehabilitation and Health Service. Our licensed physical therapists can help with neck pain and become pain-fre