Discover How Physical Therapy Can Provide Relief

Neck pain is a common ailment that affects many, but you don’t have to endure it alone. At Therapy Partners of North Texas, we understand the discomfort and limitations neck pain can bring into your life. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through a personalized treatment plan designed to address the root causes of your pain and help you regain comfort and mobility.

What Are The Common Neck Diagnoses Treated In Physical Therapy?

• Neck Strain: This condition often results from poor posture, sudden movement, or overuse, causing injury to the muscles or tendons in the neck.
• Neck Sprain: This is an injury to the ligaments that support the neck, often caused by a sudden movement.
• Arthritis of the Neck (Cervical Spondylosis): Typically affects individuals over the age of 50. It is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage and bones in the cervical spine, which can lead to joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. This condition can also cause headaches and reduced range of motion.
• Disc Degeneration: This is a normal age-related condition characterized by the “wear and tear” of the spinal discs, that can lead to pain and stiffness. Over time, the discs can lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing characteristics.
• Disc Bulge: This occurs when a disc extends beyond its usual space, potentially causing discomfort or even nerve impingement. Symptoms can range from mild tingling to severe pain, depending on the severity of the bulge and its location.
• Herniated Disc: This involves a tear in the disc’s outer ring allowing the inner material to bulge out, often pressing on nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands.
• Pinched Nerve (Cervical Radiculopathy): This condition involves irritation or compression of a nerve in the neck, causing pain or neurological symptoms down the arm. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected arm.
• Crick in the Neck (Facet Joint Syndrome): This condition involves a sudden spasm or tightness in the neck muscles, leading to acute pain and restricted movement. It can be caused by poor posture, stress, overuse, or minor strains or sprains.
• Whiplash: This condition typically results from a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head. It can lead to neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, and occasionally, neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the arms. Common causes include car accidents or contact sports. See our dedicated page on Concussion Rehabilitation.

What Are The Common Neck Pain Symptoms Treated By Physical Therapy?

• •  Pain
• •  Stiffness
• •  Limited range of motion
• •  Headaches
• •  Sometimes numbness or tingling in the arms

What is the Physical Therapy Treatment for Neck Pain?

Physical therapy is crucial in the treatment of neck pain. Our therapists employ a variety of techniques, including:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue massage to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
• Nerve Glides: Specific movements and exercises aimed at mobilizing and stretching nerves to reduce nerve-related neck pain and improve neural mobility.
• Postural Education: Tailored exercises to correct posture and improve alignment to reduce strain on the neck and head.
• Mobility Exercises: Designed to enhance the flexibility and range of motion of the neck, helping to alleviate stiffness and pain.
• Strength Training: Focused exercises to build the strength of neck and shoulder muscles, which can help prevent neck pain.
• Functional Training: Activities designed to improve your ability to perform daily tasks without causing neck pain and increase resilience to prevent injury in the future.
• Modalities: Additive therapy techniques like traction or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain
• Dry Needling: One of our specialty programs, targets trigger points or muscle tightness to release tension, promote healing, and alleviate neck pain symptoms.

 

 

If you’re experiencing neck pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact us today to schedule a physical therapy evaluation and start your journey to recovery.