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What Is Neck Pain and What Causes It?
Neck pain is a typical issue that physiotherapists can manage. The muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, and nerves may all contribute to neck pain and stiffness. Neck pain can also start in (or spread to) surrounding areas, including the upper back, shoulders and jaw. It may also migrate up into the brain, creating headaches in the back of the head, around the eyes, or in the front and temples of the head. These headaches are known as tension or “cervicogenic” headaches. Physiotherapy for neck pain and headaches is very successful since it relieves your pain and identifies and treats the underlying cause of your condition to prevent a recurrence.
Common Neck Injuries
- Acute Stiff Neck
An acutely stiff neck cannot bend or tilt the neck in one direction. People often awaken with their necks in a “frozen” position and endure agony while attempting to move. It can be caused by sleeping in an uncomfortable posture or by lifting something heavy and straining the neck. On one side, the neck muscles spasm, restricting the joints from moving. A stiff neck is treated with physiotherapy to alleviate discomfort with mild joint mobilizations, plus massage of the muscles to release spasms.
- Bulging Disc
A bulging disc can be caused by slow deterioration associated with aging, bad posture, repeated tasks, heavy lifting, or trauma such as a fall or automobile accident. In certain instances, a bulging disc can irritate the adjacent nerves, causing referred pain in the shoulder or arm – and in more severe cases, pins and needles or numbness. Most individuals with neck pain caused by a herniated disc respond well to physiotherapy because it helps relieve pain and the exercises advised strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles to help sustain the disc.
- Whiplash
A whiplash injury occurs when the head is violently thrown forward and backward, causing the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves to be overstretched. Whiplash can result in intense neck pain, stiffness and often headaches. It can also impact the nerves in the arm, causing pins and needles or numbness. Whiplash injuries must be treated promptly to prevent chronic, long-term complications. Massage and joint mobilization are used to treat muscle spasms and joint stiffness as part of the physiotherapy treatment of whiplash-related neck discomfort. It also incorporates stretching and strength training to strengthen your neck, shoulder, and improve flexibility.
- Postural and Work-Related Shoulder and Neck Pain
Awkward postures, long periods of sitting, and repeated hand and finger motions are linked to neck pain. Sedentary people working at a desk all day are more prone to neck pain since they don’t adjust to their workplace. Many individuals use computers and other gadgets with their heads down or forward. Poor posture weakens your deep neck muscles and muscles between your shoulder blades and tightens your front or top shoulders.
Physiotherapy for neck pain includes learning how to set up your workspace to support your neck. We at Fraser Life will discuss how frequently you should take breaks at work or while studying, what exercises you can perform, and the best kind of exercise or fitness to avoid neck pain.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Neck Pain?
A complete evaluation of your range of motion, flexibility, and strength is required for the physiotherapeutic care of neck pain. We examine your muscles and joints to discover any areas of stiffness, tightness or weakness. Manual treatments such as massage and joint mobilizations release stiff joints and tense muscles, reducing discomfort. In addition to ultrasound, heat packs, and TENS, physiotherapy for neck pain also includes pain-relieving techniques.
Your physiotherapist will develop an exercise regimen that is specifically customized to your requirements. Typically, this includes stretches and strengthening exercises to rebuild the neck and shoulder muscles. If you go to the gym, we may also recommend additional workouts that can help prevent the issue from recurring.
Contact Us Today for Advice and Treatment for Neck Pain
Contact us by email at [email protected] or call us in Langley at (778) 278-4755 if you are suffering from a stiff neck, headaches, or neck pain and would like more advice or treatment. We will be delighted to assist.
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