Table of Contents
- Causes of Neck Discomfort
- Symptoms of Neck Pain
- Physiotherapy Treatment for Neck Pain
- Tips for Avoiding Neck Pain
Neck pain can range from moderately unpleasant to excruciating. It is a quite prevalent condition and can linger for days to weeks or even longer. At Fraser Life Physio and Rehab, our physical therapists can assist you with identifying the source of your pain and give you treatment and education to ensure you avoid similar pain from returning.
Causes of Neck Discomfort
There are several reasons for neck discomfort; some are more prevalent than others. Among the possible reasons for neck discomfort are:
- Insomnia or sleeping in an uncomfortable position
- Using a computer for extended durations
- Sustaining a neck injury in an accident (such as whiplash from a car collision)
- Neck and shoulder strain moving large goods (such as at the gym)
- Neck surgery wherein you are experiencing pain and stiffness while healing
Neck discomfort can also be caused by more severe injuries or underlying medical conditions, such as spinal fractures or neck-area malignancies.
Symptoms of Neck Pain
Although it may seem that symptoms of neck pain are obvious — you feel discomfort in your neck and the surrounding region — neck pain and the underlying injury or health problem it indicates may present themselves in your body in various other ways that may not be readily apparent.
Among the obvious signs of neck pain are stiffness and loss of motion in your neck and discomfort in the neck and its environs. Headaches, numbness, discomfort, or pins-and-needles in the arm and hand (and arm weakness) are some less evident symptoms that can signal problems with the neck muscles.
Call Fraser Life immediately to begin treatment if you have any of these symptoms above.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Neck Pain
Fraser Life Physio and Rehab physiotherapists employ a wide range of strategies and treatments for neck pain alleviation, depending on both the intensity of your discomfort and its underlying cause. Physiotherapy aims to strengthen your body and teaches you how to prevent future injuries and discomfort.
Our physiotherapists will first inquire about your current state of health. The greater our understanding of your medical history and present state, the more accurately we can identify and treat the source of your discomfort.
Active physical treatment for neck pain involves the patient performing prescribed exercises and activities to strengthen the neck, restore mobility, and prevent pain from returning. Physiotherapists utilize passive and aggressive physical therapy to treat neck discomfort after determining the source (and degree) of the pain. Passive physical therapy includes massage therapy, ultrasound, hot and cold packs, and electrotherapy, each of which do not need patient participation.
Depending on the degree of your neck pain, a combination of these two treatments is often employed. Your physiotherapist will collaborate with you to restore your health as quickly as possible.
Tips for Avoiding Neck Pain
- Improve your seating position
- Utilize a lumbar cushion in the small of your back to preserve correct posture.
- Hold your mobile device at eye level to avoid neck strain.
- Utilize the armrest to support your arms and prop up your elbows.
- Utilize a headrest for head and neck support.
- Take breaks frequently
- Reduce the duration and frequency of technology use.
- Take 3-minute breaks every 15-20 minutes.
- Include regular pauses like going for a walk and stretching throughout the day.
- Stretch and strengthen neck muscles
Keeping your neck and shoulder muscles mobile and warm helps decrease your chances of discomfort and injury. Try undertaking the following daily activities:
- Chin Lift: While facing forward, move your chin straight back. Hold for 5 seconds, then release slowly. Repeat at least 10 times or as many times as necessary.
- Side Bend: Lower your head until the right ear touches the right shoulder. Use the hand on the same side to increase the stretch pressure gently. Repeat on the left. Maintain for a few seconds.
- Side Rotation: Your chin should be rotated to the right shoulder and the left shoulder. Use your hand to push your chin forward for a greater stretch gently. Maintain for 10 seconds and repeat as necessary.
- Tune in to your body
- This is the most effective strategy to prevent chronic neck pain.
If your neck pain or headache symptoms intensify, contact our expert physiotherapists at Fraser Life Physio and Rehab immediately for assistance. Visit us online or call us in Langley at (778) 278-4755 today.
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