Neck Pain
The neck contains bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Because the neck is so mobile and less protected than the rest of the spine, it is vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion. Neck pain, when experienced, may originate from any of the structures in the neck. It may also come from or cause pain in areas near the neck, such as the shoulder, jaw, head, and upper arms.
Neck pain causes
Neck pain has various causes, including the following:
- A disk bulge or herniation may cause muscle spasms and guarding, as well as joint stiffness that may be accompanied by pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness down the arm.
- An acute locking of a facet join, for example waking with with a stiff neck, can cause neck pain.
- A motor vehicle, sports, or occupational accident may result in whiplash, where the muscles spasm and guard the joints and may be accompanied by nerve irritability from the inflammation of the joint.
- Poor posture can cause muscle strain or tension resulting in neck pain.
- Diseases such as arthritis or degeneration of the cervical disks can lead to neck pain and stiffness.
SSPT’s approach to treating neck pain
The goal of therapy for neck conditions is to decrease pain and improve function. Your SSPT therapy may include:
- Education about posture and body mechanics
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization
- Cervical traction to relax muscles and decrease pressure on the nerve roots
- Exercises to help improve posture, stretch tight muscles, and strengthen weak muscles
- Trigger point dry needling to help relieve pain and facilitate healing
- Cervical collar to help initially quiet the inflammation and muscle spasms
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
