There are many cervical spine diagnoses which can cause a pain in your neck. But, did you know, pain you feel elsewhere may actually be an issue originating from your neck. For example, do you ever experience tingling and numbness in your arm or hand? This can be from a pinched nerve in your neck. Do you frequently get headaches? This can be a cervicogenic headache stemming from your cervical spine.
Another common cause of Neck or Cervical spine pain is poor posture. While reading this, there is a good chance your back is rounded or slumped, your shoulders are elevated, and your head and neck are placed in a forward position. In this posture, the alignment of your spine is altered, therefore the muscles that support your neck are overloaded and there is increased stress placed on your spine at abnormal angles. This leads to muscle imbalances, muscle weakness, and muscle tightness resulting in increased strain and stress to the muscles and joints in your cervical spine. This ultimately causes pain and may even result in issues with the disks in your neck causing a herniation.
A Physical therapist can complete a thorough evaluation which includes a subjective portion where you answer questions that help identify where your symptoms are coming from. Some examples include what kind of pain you are experiencing, what activities make your pain better or worse, or when/how did the pain begin? Next, a therapist will evaluate your Cervical spine. They will examine your range of motion, strength, joint integrity, palpation, posture, and can also examine your shoulder or thoracic spine as well.
A physical therapist can then create an individualized program to meet your specific needs and goals. A physical therapist can use different manual technique such as massage, myofascial release, traction, joint mobilizations and joint manipulations. Manual techniques in addition to postural re-education and exercises can help to decrease your CS pain and restore proper mechanics leading to pain free mobility and activities. A physical therapist can analyze the position you sleep in, your sitting and standing posture, how you lift or carry items, how you raise your arm overhead, and your body mechanics while working or driving which can all impact your neck and the pain you feel. This comprehensive plan of care will help get rid of your pain in the neck.
At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck: 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale: 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy: 516-829-0030
