Where Does Neck Pain Occur?
The neck—or cervical spine—is a network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles that all work together. It is critical to support and move the head, yet it can sometimes become painful.
The days of grandparents complaining about aches and pains are long gone. Teenagers and office workers are now becoming victims of this pain. People’s lifestyles are being impacted by desk occupations and a lack of physical activity, leading to chronically sore neck and back muscles. Utilizing pain medication can temporarily alleviate the ache, it will not supply a lasting remedy.
While medicine is a temporary solution, physiotherapy for neck discomfort has significant and long-lasting effects. This therapy is often advised, particularly if the pain persists for months, or you are recuperating from surgery, or you are diagnosed with a medical condition such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis or post-spinal fracture.
How Physiotherapy Relieves Pain
Both back and neck discomfort can effectively be treated with physiotherapy. The following are the objectives and anticipated effects of these treatments:
- Pain and stiffness are reduced. By using passive therapies like manual therapy, your physiotherapist assists in relieving discomfort and expediting the healing process in the afflicted region.
- Strengthening. Your physiotherapist will design an exercise program specifically for you which will strengthen the muscles in the afflicted region.
- Increased range of motion. Your physiotherapist will include flexibility exercises into your treatment plan in order to assist in increasing your back and neck range of motion.
- Prevent future problems. Understanding basic body mechanics can avoid future injuries and chronic discomfort.
- Enhanced quality of life. Physiotherapy can assist you in returning to your daily routine much more quickly, therefore improving your overall quality of life.
Your physical therapy treatments will be classified as “passive” or “active”. Passive physiotherapy treatment options for back and neck discomfort include cold and heat therapy, massage therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound. These contribute to the alleviation of pain, stiffness and inflammation. Active physiotherapy treatments for back and neck pain involve any stretches and exercises determined appropriate for your condition by your physiotherapist. Active treatment aids in the development of strength and flexibility, and it alleviates discomfort in the spine and afflicted muscles.
4 At-Home Physiotherapy Exercises
Neck discomfort can either be acute (for a brief period of time) or chronic (for an extended period). When someone is suffering from severe neck discomfort, a doctor or other skilled medical expert will often recommend a series of neck exercises to alleviate the persistent ache.
Physiotherapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for persistent neck discomfort. It will assist you in managing your symptoms more effectively (and increase the flexibility and strength of your neck muscles). To aid with muscle recovery, here are some basic at-home physiotherapy exercises:
- Turning your neck
- Turn your neck slowly to one side and maintain the position for 5-7 seconds.
- Maintain the same height of your jaw throughout.
- Turn your neck gently to the other side and hold for 5-7 seconds.
- Repeat the exercise five times more.
- Neck tilt
- Simply lower your neck and bring your chin to your chest.
- Maintain the posture for a minimum of five seconds. Restore the initial position.
- Repeat the exercise five times more.
- Side tilt
- Tilt your neck to the side (against your shoulders) and hold for 5 seconds.
- Redirect your head to the center.
- Tilt your head to the other side and hold it there for 5 seconds.
- Repeat each side at least five times more.
- Extension of the shoulders
- Straighten your body and check your posture. Your neck should be pushed forward, and your shoulders should be pulled together in alignment. Hold the pose for 5 seconds and notice how your neck muscles are stretched. Return to your initial posture gently.
To find out more about how your neck pain can be treated with the best physiotherapy available in Langley, visit fraserlifephysio.ca or call us at (778) 278-4755 today.
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