Pain in the Neck...

is often caused by long days sitting at desks, lifting heavy objects or playing contact sports. Whiplash, often caused by getting rear-ended in car accidents, or a sudden fall, is the most common cause of neck pain.

Neck pain can be very painful and debilitating, making it almost imposssible to rotate your head or bend forward or backwards. There may be no obvious cause of the pain, irritated vertebrae at the top of the spine, or the muscles, tendons or cushioning discs around them, cause stiffness, pain, and can trigger headaches and arm pain, such as tingling in the limbs and fingers.

Manual therapy is used to release the muscles in spasm and re-allign the vertebrae. Stretches are used to bring flexibility and movement back to the neck and reduce pain. Learn more about Manual Therapy.  Learn more about other therapies we use.

Treatment

Fold a bath towel in half and roll it up.  Fold a second, smaller (hand) towel in half and roll it up as well.  Put an ice pack (a ziploc bag of frozen water is convenient, but frozen peas work well too) on the bath towel and a washcloth or hand towel on top of the ice pack to keep the ice from lying directly on your neck.

Flat on your back place the bath towel with the ice and washcloth under your neck. Place the rolled up hand towel under the small of your back for support.  Rest for 15-20 minutes.

You should see your doctor or physical therapist if neck pain keeps you from working or sleeping, lasts more than three months, radiates below the elbow or your arms feel weak or numb.

Prevention

The best way to prevent neck pain is to stay active and strong. A strong back, stomach and shoulder muscles help to support the neck. It's also important to keep your neck muscles stretched and flexible. Personalized PT customizes exercise and stretching programs to fit your needs, to both repair and prevent injury. Contact us to arrange a consultation.

Meanwhile, protect your neck from injury by protecting yourself. When you're in a car, wear your seatbelt and sit properly in the seat. At work, make sure your chair adequately supports your back and neck and that your computer is at a proper height and angle. For more information on setting up an office to avoid injuries, visit our Body Links For a Better Office.

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