Neck Pain

Q: How will my neck pain symptoms progress?

It depends. Chronic pain, or pain lasting longer than 3-6 months, may take several weeks of consistent PT to get your neck headed in the right direction.

Q: When should I seek treatment for neck pain?

If you have ongoing neck pain for more than a week or two and it is not resolving with over the counter pain medication or any self-treatment.

Q: How long will neck pain treatment typically last?

Each PT appointment lasts 45 mins to an hour. Physical Therapists perform a comprehensive evaluation and can create a unique treatment plan for each person. No two necks are alike!

Q: When can I return to playing sports if I have neck pain?

As soon as you can turn your neck and in multiple positions and not experience neck pain, limitations or headaches – or any neurological symptoms for that matter.

Q: How can I sleep with neck pain?

Try to position your neck in a neutral position. PTs can assist you and help you become aware of this position in person. You don’t want your neck to be biased in any extreme direction for any long periods of time.

Q: Does SportsCare take my insurance?

Here is a list of the insurance plans accepted by SportsCare Physical Therapy. If you are unsure of your coverage or if your plan is accepted, contact one of our offices; we are happy to assist you in learning about your benefits.

Q: Where is SportsCare located?

SportsCare Physical Therapy has offices in Gresham, Sandy, NE Portland, Clackamas, Beaverton, and Salem. For location specific contact information click here.

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

Did you know that at least half of your full neck turning ability occurs between the spaces of the first 2 cervical vertebraes!!

Frequently Asked Questions

How will my neck pain symptoms progress?

When should I seek treatment for neck pain?

How long will neck pain treatment typically last?

When can I return to work after a neck injury?

Depending on the type of labor. Sedentary type of work often does not require any limitations from said occupation. While occupations that require constant neck turning such as a truck driver may take a few weeks with light duty restrictions. Work status and limitations are specifically addressed by the work comp practitioner managing your case. Physical therapists provide the intervention for treatment and help the WC practitioners manage your case through a comprehensive evaluation.