Neck Pain Relief
Find Neck Pain Relief with Physical Therapy
Do you find it difficult to sit up straight in your desk chair, tilt your head down to tie your shoes, or even lay your head down on your pillow at night to go to sleep? The neck is an integral part of everyday movements, and neck pain can limit you from doing things you normally do with ease in your daily life.
If you are experiencing neck pain, you are not alone. In fact, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one-third of the population experiences neck pain every year. If left untreated, neck pain can lead to some serious conditions, and surgical correction may even be needed. Fortunately, physical therapy can help treat your pain before it gets to that point.
If you have been living with neck pain, contact Boulet Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed Lafayette physical therapists. We’ll evaluate your condition and relieve your pain, so you can get back to comfortably living your daily life!
What’s causing my neck pain?
Neck pain is commonly felt from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulder blades, settling in the back of the neck. Neck pain can vary from mild to severe – some people experience dull, constant aches, while others feel sharp and stabbing pains.
Additional symptoms that can accompany neck pain include:
- Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
- Muscle stiffness and tightness in the upper body
- Headaches
- Arm weakness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
- Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
There are several conditions that may lead to neck pain. Damage to the tissues or bone structures in the neck is the leading cause of neck pain. This damage can occur from a sudden injury or develop over time from repetitive overuse. Certain degenerative diseases may also lead to neck pain.
Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:
- Muscle strains. Overuse can cause the muscles in the back of your neck to become strained. Even something as simple as sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen can lead to a strain in your neck muscles.
- Injuries. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting in neck pain. It is referred to as “strain” injury, due to the rapid back-and-forth motion that the neck experiences. Whiplash is most commonly sustained in car accidents or high-impact sport collisions, and it affects the soft tissues in the back of the neck.
- Illnesses. Certain diseases and ailments can result in neck pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or even cancer.
- Nerve compression. If you have a herniated disc in your neck, the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord can become compressed. In some cases, nerve pain can even result in “radiculopathy,” which is a condition where pain extends from the neck all the way down to the hands and fingers.
- Joint degeneration. Any joint in your body is susceptible to age-related erosion, and your neck is no exception. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, which can result in moderate to severe pain.
How can my neck pain be treated?
Physical therapy is the safest and most effective method for neck pain relief. When you arrive for your initial appointment, you will be greeted by one of our dedicated Lafayette physical therapists who will evaluate your neck and note any areas of concern. Our physical therapist will diagnose your condition and then create a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs.
At Boulet Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute, one of our main treatments for neck pain is manual therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve its range of motion. In addition to this, you will also be provided with targeted stretches and exercises aimed at building, strengthening, and improving the muscles and tissues in your neck. Our physical therapist may also decide to add additional methods to your treatment plan as deemed fit, such as traction, dry needling, laser therapy, cupping, kinesiotaping, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
If your neck pain is limiting your daily life, don’t wait any longer to seek help. Contact our Lafayette physical therapy office today to schedule your consultation. At Boulet Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools you need for neck pain recovery and relief!
