Signs You Should See a PT for Your Neck Pain
Posted February 26, 2024
In an ever-evolving technological world, we are at our computers and on our phones more than ever. Diagnoses like “tech neck” are becoming more commonplace and are compounding age-related wear and tear and general muscle tightness often seen in the neck region. Whether your issues stem from poor posture, a nerve impingement, or another underlying medical condition, neck pain can be extremely uncomfortable and interfere with daily function and quality of life. Knowing when to seek medical care and the appropriate providers to reach out to are key to expediting recovery.
Signs & Symptoms of Neck Pain
The neck complex consists of over 20 muscles extending from the base of the skull to the jaw, shoulder blades, and collarbone.1
Each of these muscles plays a crucial role in stabilizing the head and neck, facilitating neck mobility, and powering essential functions like breathing and swallowing.
When people report neck pain, most will automatically assume the pain is in the back of the neck. However, neck pain can present in many ways with discomfort often reported throughout the front, side, or back of the neck, and in the upper back and shoulder blade region. Neck pain can radiate to the head and face, such is the case in cervicogenic headaches, and can also radiate down to the arms and into the wrists and hands. In terms of aggravating factors, many will report that neck pain is worsened with inactivity such as during prolonged computer work or driving and feels like muscle tightness or spasm.
Whether your issues are caused by joint stiffness, muscle stiffness, or a combination, many experience a reduction in their neck range of motion, an increased frequency of headaches, and even trouble concentrating. Although less common, some people will report dizziness, ear ringing, and general imbalance, all of which can be tied back to dysfunction at the neck.
Neck pain is no joke and continues to become a frustrating issue for many individuals. It is estimated that neck pain affects approximately 30% of the US population each year making rippling impacts on work performance and quality of life.2
Preventing Neck Pain
In certain cases, such as whiplash from a car accident or a sports injury, neck pain cannot be prevented. However, in many instances, there are modifiable factors that can reduce your chances of developing neck issues. Known risk factors for neck pain include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Poor posture
- Prolonged computer work
- Repetitive lifting
- Involvement in athletic activity
Being proactive about lifestyle choices including smoking cessation, diet, and exercise can have huge impacts on neck health and chronic pain. In terms of occupational contributions, setting yourself up for success with an ergonomic workstation setup, improving postural alignment, and taking frequent breaks to move, stretch, or change positions can all reduce muscle tightness and trigger point development.
When You Should Seek Help for Neck Pain
When it comes to managing your neck pain, some will respond favorably to conservative at-home measures including heat, ice, gentle stretching, or massage. That said, it’s important to know when to seek professional advice from a physical therapist or other medical provider to improve symptom management and get to the underlying cause of your issues. Always seek care if your neck pain becomes severe, if it develops from a trauma such as a fall or car accident, or if it begins spreading down the arms or legs. If you’re experiencing associated headaches, numbness, weakness, or tingling, these can be signs of nerve impingement and warrant a comprehensive assessment.
Besides the more extreme cases, physical therapy can also help those looking to improve their general mobility, enhance their postural alignment, or improve their quality of sleep. Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system, employing skilled strategies to reduce muscle and joint tension, optimize mechanics, and improve day-to-day function.
How A Physical Therapist Can Help Neck Pain
Physical therapy continues to be one of the frontline treatments for neck pain. Through individually designed programs, PTs will help their patients regain optimal range of motion, improve their postural alignment and strength, and reduce or eliminate their pain symptoms. Whether your goal is to improve your neck motion to check your blind spot or be able to get through a workday without tension headaches, PTs work hand-in-hand to address your symptoms, improve your biomechanics, and prevent your issues from returning in the future.
A general treatment plan for a patient with neck pain will include a combination of skilled manual treatments, therapeutic stretches and exercises, and passive modalities. Modalities might include electrical stimulation for pain relief, cervical traction to offload affected muscles and nerves, and dry needling to reduce trigger points in the muscles. Each program will be tailored to the individual’s impairments with initial interventions focused on pain relief and subsequent treatments on improving the strength and flexibility in your neck to reduce the stress on the cervical spine.
Overcome Neck Pain Today
Neck pain continues to be a prevalent issue that should not be ignored, especially when it interferes with your daily activities and quality of life. Recognizing when to seek care and how a physical therapist can help alleviate your symptoms are critical for timely and effective management.
Whether you’re experiencing persistent pain, numbness or tingling in your arms, headaches, or poor posture, physical therapists are well equipped to properly assess, diagnose, and treat many neck pain causes. By addressing both your symptoms as well as the underlying cause of your issues, physical therapists can help you feel your best and stay feeling your best for years to come. Take your first step towards a more functional and pain-free life with the help of physical therapy for neck pain.
Resources
1 – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21670-neck-muscles
2 – https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-neck-pain
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