Have you been dealing with persistent neck pain for months? Do you struggle to turn your head or fall asleep due to the discomfort? Treating chronic neck pain is essential for living a full, healthy life–but it can be challenging. Fortunately, physical therapy is here to help!
Unlike acute pain, chronic neck pain persists for at least three months–long past the time it takes for an injury to heal. It can also be more challenging to treat than acute neck pain, which typically arises suddenly and resolves within a short period.
Determining the causes of chronic neck pain can also be tricky. It can stem from various factors, including poor posture, previous injury, or underlying conditions. Finding effective relief often requires a comprehensive approach–something the team at Joint Effort Physical Therapy can help! We offer a range of treatments designed to address the underlying causes of chronic neck pain, helping you achieve long-term relief and regain your normal function.
Today, we want to explore the role our AR physical therapists play in treating chronic neck pain. Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding the Common Causes of Chronic Neck Pain
Treating chronic neck pain starts by understanding its causes and addressing them through targeted physical therapy. Here are three of the most common:
Poor Posture
- Sitting or standing with a slouched back or forward head position puts undue strain on the neck muscles and spine. This strain can lead to long-term muscle fatigue and pain if left unaddressed.
Degenerative Disc Disease
- As we age, the discs in our spine can wear down and dry out, leading to pain, restricted mobility, and increased risk of conditions like herniated discs.
Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis–also known as cervical spondylosis when it affects the neck–involves the degeneration of the cartilage and other tissue in the cervical spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It has no cure, although you can manage your symptoms.
Treating Chronic Neck Pain with Physical Therapy
At Joint Effort Physical Therapy, our physical therapists utilize several techniques to help you manage–and, in some cases, resolve–chronic neck pain. We tailor our treatment plans to meet the needs of each patient, considering your health history, underlying condition, and overall goals. Here are just a few of the techniques we might incorporate:
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, and myofascial release. These methods help reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and enhance joint mobility. By addressing tight muscles and stiff joints, manual therapy can provide immediate relief and improve overall neck function in the long term.
Additional Pain Management Techniques
- We also use various pain management techniques such as heat and cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation in addition to manual therapy. These methods help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote healing. They work best when combined with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise.
Therapeutic Exercises
- We’ll incorporate both strengthening and stretching exercises into your treatment program. Neck stretches help improve your neck’s range of motion, and strengthening exercises build the muscles in your neck and upper back, helping to support your cervical spine.
Posture and Ergonomic Training
- Poor posture is a common cause of chronic neck pain. We’ll provide information on maintaining proper posture throughout your daily activities, including advice on setting up an ergonomic workspace, maintaining postural awareness, and taking regular breaks to move and stretch.
You Don’t Have to Manage Chronic Neck Pain On Your Own
Chronic neck pain can make it extremely difficult to participate in your favorite hobbies and activities–not to mention keep up with day-to-day tasks. Fortunately, the team at Joint Effort Physical Therapy has extensive experience helping people address their neck discomfort–and we can help you, too.
Schedule an appointment today to get started.
