How To Treat Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common physical complaint, and there are many reasons why. They can range from just a muscle strain to disc and nerve injuries, and subsequent peripheral neural entrapment. If pain in the neck is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in the arms or hands, or if there is shooting pain into the shoulder or down the arm, medical assistance is advised.

Muscle strain is a leading cause of a painful neck – too many hours hunched over a computer, a smart phone or any type of close work can trigger neck pain. Poor posture, and even reading in bed can create a chronic problem with the neck.

Osteoarthritis can develop anywhere in the body as we age. It causes the cartilage between the bones to deteriorate, the body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.

Nerve compression. Herniated discs or bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.

Accidents like rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck. The treatment modality for any neck injury should be strictly dependent upon the diagnosis, thus avoiding further damage.

How Cahill Physical Therapy Can Help You

Cathy Cahill and her highly trained team will evaluate your medical diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment for your neck. The goal is to reduce discomfort and increase your overall functionality. The path to recovery from neck pain requires modalities adapted to your specific situation, and may require:

• Manual traction
• Muscle strengthening and posture correction
• Heat and ice therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Activity modification program
• Soft tissue massage

Stress reduction can play an important role in recovery from injury. In addition to physical therapy, the right home remedy can help ease your discomfort further by improving circulation and relaxing muscles and joints.

Nutrition and weight control are also key players in your ongoing well being and physical fitness.