Neck Pain Treatment
What is it?
The neck consists of 7 bones that connect to 26 muscles, 6 ligaments, and numerous tendons. It supports the weight of the brain/skull, lends protection to the top of the spinal cord, and allows for all head movement. In addition to allowing motion, the neck contains multiple functions (the airway, digestive tract; lymphatic, neurological, and vascular systems) that are vital to survival. The neck is very flexible (and much less protected than the rest of the spine) making it especially vulnerable to injury. Neck pain may be described as tingling, aching, burning, or stabbing; localized in the neck or radiate to your head, shoulders, arms, and hands. It may also make the neck stiff, sore, or difficult to move.
Causes
Neck pain is most frequently caused by whiplash, but may have other causes as well:
- Whiplash after an auto accident
- Traumatic injuries
- Muscle strains
- Poor posture/ergonomics
- Inflammation
- Disc issues
- Damaged nerves
- Arthritis
What We Treat
SportsCare Physical Therapists regularly rehabilitate a variety of neck conditions including but not limited to:
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis
- Cervical Spine Fusion
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
- Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF)
- Laminectomy
- Osteoarthritis
Treatment
SportsCare Physical Therapists will first perform a thorough professional evaluation of your injury or concern. After discussing your goals, activity level, and general health they will create a treatment plan individualized to your needs. Therapy may include:
- Treatment/instructions to reduce inflammation
- Modalities (Ultrasound, Ice/Heat, Electrical Stimulation)
- Manual Therapy
- Manipulation/mobilization
- Spinal Traction
- Posture training
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Kinesio Tape
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- Pool Therapy
- Home Exercise Program/Education for prevention
