Neck Pain Archives - Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy

Poor Posture Treatment in Visalia – Who Can Help?

When it comes to spinal pain, posture is a factor. If you are searching for poor posture treatment in Visalia or Hanford, we can help. Read to learn more about posture problems and how to address them.

Lower back pain is an extremely common issue, with 13.1% of US adults having chronic back pain, 4%-25% of the Canadian adult population, and around 28 million adults suffering from it in the UK alone. While there are many potential causes, research increasingly shows that poor posture is a major contributing factor for many people. In this blog post, we’ll summarize some of the key takeaways from a recent Guardian article on how posture impacts back pain. Reference

Some Basics About Spinal Posture

The spine has natural curves that serve an important purpose. These curves work like a coiled spring to absorb shock and impact. When our posture is off, it can lead to exaggerated curves that put extra strain on the structures of the spine. This added pressure over time can lead to back pain and other issues.

What Exactly is Good Posture?

So what constitutes good posture? Proper alignment calls for having the ears stacked over the shoulders and the shoulders over the hips. The neck should curve slightly inward, the mid-back region slightly outward, and the lower back curve slightly inward again. Posture tends to get worse as we age. The curves become accentuated, adding torque, compression, and tension to the elements of the spine that keep it together. So maintaining this ideal alignment requires consistency and effort. This includes awareness, stretching, strengthening, and avoiding repetitive habits that lead to poor posture.

Contributors to Poor Posture

There are many habits that contribute to poor posture, especially in today’s technology-driven world. Slouching at a desk, hunching over a phone, and even things as simple as crossing legs when seated can throw off the spine’s natural curves over time. Correcting these issues by stacking the spine properly and using simple techniques to maintain good alignment of the pelvis and the back throughout the day, can help.

How Can the Physical Therapists with Poor Posture Treatment in Visalia?

When it comes to neck or lower back pain treatment, addressing posture is key. Physical therapists can assess where misalignments exist and provide personalized exercises and stretches to improve postural habits. Techniques like the McKenzie Method can also help educated patients about postural dysfunctions and provide them with specific techniques that they can perform independently. Even simple cues like straightening up against a wall or pulling the shoulders back while seated can be helpful reminders.

There is a Link Between Posture & Pain…and We Can Help You Break It

In summary, this article highlights the strong link between posture and back pain. Maintaining the spine’s natural alignment requires vigilance but can reduce strain and tension. By making posture a priority and utilizing professional help where needed, many instances of back pain can potentially be avoided or corrected.

So, if you are in need of poor posture treatment in Visalia here, give us a call.

Contact One of Our Two Offices in Visalia (559) 7332478 or Hanford (559) 582-1027 Today

Cervicogenic Headache Treatment in Visalia

Some Headaches Are Caused By Neck Issues, But Physical Therapy Can Help

If you are searching for someone that can alleviate your headache pain, there’s a good chance we can help. Cervicogenic headache treatment in Visalia is provided at our physical therapy center…quite successfully. Below is some educational information about this type of headache pain.

There are Over 100 Different Kinds of Headaches – We Treat One of the Common Types

More than 100 types of headaches have been categorized by healthcare experts, but they all share in common an ability to cause serious impairment when they strike. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by a dysfunction of the neck and are one of the most common types of headaches, but various physical therapy techniques can effectively address them.

Headaches can generally be classified into two groups: primary and secondary. A primary headache simply means the headache itself is the disorder, while secondary headaches result from an injury or disorder in another area of the body. Cervicogenic headaches are one of the most prevalent secondary headaches, as they account for about 15–20% of headaches overall.

Since cervicogenic headaches occur due to a dysfunction of the neck, they are considered a form of referred pain in which the source of the pain is within the cervical—or neck—region of the spine, but the sensation of pain is felt in the head as a headache. This is because there are nerves in the upper spine that have connections with certain nerves in the head, and damage or dysfunction in one area leads to symptoms in the other.

Cervicogenic headaches frequently occur after trauma to the neck, such as after whiplash from a car accident. Poor posture and regularly straining the neck can also be contributing factors. Symptoms can occur rapidly or develop gradually, and the most common sign of a cervicogenic headache is pain on one side of the face or head, which can get worse after sudden movements of the neck, coughing, sneezing, or taking a deep breath. Other symptoms include stiff neck, pain attacks lasting for hours or days, and pain that stays in one location.

Study shows how two hands-on therapy techniques are effective for cervicogenic headaches

Physical therapy is among the most effective treatments for cervicogenic headaches, and a typical treatment program will likely consist of postural reeducation, strengthening and stretching exercises, and manual therapy. Manual therapy involves various techniques administered by the hands of the treating physical therapist, including manipulation and mobilization, which are two of the most frequently used types of manual therapy for cervicogenic headaches.

The consensus among physical therapists is that manipulation and mobilization have similar effectiveness for cervicogenic headaches, but research directly comparing these two methods is lacking. Therefore, a study was conducted in which 45 patients with cervicogenic headache were randomly assigned to undergo a single session of either manipulation or mobilization by a physical therapist. All patients were assessed for neck pain and disability, headache severity, and several other outcome measures before and after treatment.

Positive Outcomes for Both Seeking Headache Pain Relief

Results showed that both groups improved over time for all outcomes measured, and there were no significant differences between groups at each of the follow-up periods. In addition, no patients reported any adverse events during the trial. These results suggest that both manipulation and mobilization are similarly effective for patients with cervicogenic headaches, although it’s important to note that spinal manipulation is generally associated with greater risks.

If you’re at all familiar with headaches, then you know what they can do to your life when they strike. While there are still many unknowns when it comes to managing headaches, physical therapy remains an effective option that individually caters treatment based on the specific type of headache that is present.

So if you regularly deal with headaches, and are looking for cervicogenic headache treatment in Visalia or Hanford, we can help.

Contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) for more information or to schedule an appointment today.

Physical Therapy for Pinched Nerves in Visalia & Hanford

Physical Therapy Leads To Significant Benefits For Radiating Neck Pain

The spine contains nerves that send messages to and from the brain and all other parts of the body. For this reason, any time one of these nerves is affected, it can lead to problems not only in the spine, but in other body parts as well. One condition that involves spinal nerves is called cervical radiculopathy, in which pain and other symptoms radiate out from the neck to other areas of the body.

A Brief Anatomy Review

The spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another. Together, these bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord from damage. The uppermost portion of the spine that begins at the base of the skull is called the cervical spine. It contains nerves that carry messages between the brain and muscles in the shoulders, arms, and hands. This is achieved through nerve roots that travel through the spinal canal and branch out through openings in the vertebrae called foramen.

Pinched Nerves Cause Radiating Pain

Cervical radiculopathy, which is also referred to as a pinched nerve, occurs any time one of the nerve roots in the neck is compressed or pinched when it branches away from the spinal cord. This is caused by any condition that injures or irritates nerves in the cervical region, including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. In most cases, patients with cervical radiculopathy experience a burning pain that starts in the neck and travels down the arm. This pain can get worse from turning or straining the neck. Other symptoms include tingling, as well as weakness or loss of sensation in the shoulders, arms, or hands.

Some patients with cervical radiculopathy will get better on their own over time, while others will continue to be affected by symptoms for extended periods. For patients that fail to improve, conservative treatments—particularly physical therapy—are typically recommended as the first step. A standard physical therapy program for cervical radiculopathy will include a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as a manual therapy component. Manual therapy involves numerous hands-on mobilization and manipulation techniques that are intended to alleviate pain and improve mobility and function.

Big study conducted to better define effects of physical therapy

To assess the effectiveness of this intervention, a high-quality type of study called a randomized-controlled trial was conducted on patients who had cervical radiculopathy for at least three months, which was defined as neck pain that radiated to only one upper extremity with ≥1 level of root involvement. A total of 28 patients who fit the necessary criteria were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the comparison group.

All patients participated in a verbal education session about pain and a unique program designed by a physical therapist that took place during 6 treatment sessions over 3–5 weeks. Patients in both groups also completed strengthening exercises that targeted the deep flexor muscles of the neck, but the manual therapy component of these programs differed. Patients in the experimental group were treated with a cervical mobilization technique in which the physical therapist applied pressure to various painful areas of the spine for several minutes at a time. For patients in the comparison group, the therapist only applied a minimal amount of pressure to one location of the spine and did not perform the actual cervical mobilization technique used in the experimental group.

Patients with Pinched Nerves in the Neck Did Better

Results showed that patients in the experimental group experienced greater improvements than the comparison group in pain intensity, neck function, and neck range of motion, as well as local pressure hypersensitivity, which means they were less sensitive to stimuli. Based on these findings, it appears that a manual therapy technique frequently used by physical therapists can lead to short-term benefits for this patient population. When combined with the other interventions typically featured in a physical therapy treatment program, the gains are likely even greater for patients.

Contact Us Today for Help with a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Therefore, if you’re currently bothered by radiating neck pain, it may be time to see a physical therapist, and we can help.

Contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to learn more or schedule an appointment today.

Exercise Program to Correct Posture for Musculoskelatal Pain

Exercises Intended To Correct Posture Can Effectively Address Painful Conditions

In our last blog, we explained what posture is and reviewed some of negative consequences of practicing poor posture, with a particular focus on forward head posture and rounded shoulders. We also pointed out that many modern habits—like sitting at a desk and using a computer or smartphone—are big contributors to poor posture because these activities encourage improper alignment of the spine and other body parts.

Technology Often Doesn’t Promote Good Posture

If you use a computer for work or tend to spend lots of time on your phone, it might be easy to see why this is the case. Working on a computer requires being in a seated position for extended periods every day, and it’s difficult to maintain proper posture for all—or even most—of this time. Instead, many individuals tend to change their posture frequently throughout the day by slouching, leaning too far back, or crossing their legs to stay comfortable.

Repeated Positions Lead to Bad Habits

The longer the body is out of postural alignment, the easier it becomes to continue these habits, and the greater the risk grows for pain and deformity. Over time, poor postural habits can negatively affect the bones, muscles, and joints supporting the spine and lead to imbalances that limit movement and make normal exercise difficult. Poor posture will also prevent these supporting structures from functioning properly and can go on to cause appearance issues, musculoskeletal pain, and physical restrictions.

Investigating posture-correcting exercises for pain

This highlights the importance of practicing good posture to maintain the proper arrangement, balance, and function of the body’s structures, and shows why taking steps to correct posture are key to optimal overall health. With this in mind, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program designed to correct posture on patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Patients with various types of musculoskeletal pain were screened for inclusion, and 88 of those screened were included in the study. Each of these patients completed an exercise program, which consisted of three 20-minute sessions per week for eight weeks. The first week of the program included stretching exercises intended to improve flexibility of the calves, spine, shoulders, and other regions of the body. The remaining seven weeks included a variety of additional exercises and activities designed to correct posture, such as a lower muscle strengthening exercise, an abdominal muscle strengthening exercise, and head and neck stretching exercise. These patients were assessed before and immediately after the exercise program for pain levels in the neck, shoulders, middle back, lower back, and pelvis by using a 10-point scale.

Physical Therapist Guided Exercise Again is Helpful

Results indicated that the average pain scores were lower after the exercise program in all regions of the body assessed. Of these, the values for shoulder pain, middle back pain, and lower back pain were statistically significant, meaning that these improvements were important enough to support the effectiveness of this intervention. Based on these findings, it appears an exercise program that focuses on correcting posture can alleviate pain in patients with various types of musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapists are movement experts and professionals at identifying postural faults and addressing them with appropriate, individualized exercise programs.

We Can Help You Correct Posture Problems

Therefore, if you’re currently suffering from pain of any sort that may be related to your posture, we strongly encourage you to come in and see us for an evaluation. Contact Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to schedule an appointment today.

Stabilization Exercises and Manual Therapy for Posture

Hands-On Therapy Plus Targeted Exercises Improves Posture And Reduces Pain

Posture is the position and orientation that each part of your body is in, both when you’re moving and while at rest. Good posture means your muscles and bones are in a state of balance that protects these structures from injury and deformity, and it is primarily characterized by a straight spine that maintains the natural curves of the body. Poor posture, on the other hand, is the improper alignment of various body parts, which can result in increased strain and less efficient balance of the body over its base of support. Any sustained position that places the body in a state of misalignment can contribute to poor posture, such as slouching with the shoulders hunched forward, keeping your head held too high, or looking down too frequently.

Head Forward Posture Needs to be Addressed

One of the most common postural faults is called forward head posture, which can be found in about 66–90% of the population. Forward head posture is a state in which the head is slanted in front of the shoulders by an inch or more instead of directly over the shoulders, where it should be positioned. Other names for forward head posture include “text neck” and “nerd neck” because common culprits include spending too much time bending toward a computer screen and craning the neck downward to look at a smartphone.

Don’t Work Your Postural Muscles so Hard

Forward head posture forces the muscles of the neck to work harder to hold up the head, and the further forward it’s positioned, the harder these muscles have to work. Over time, overworking these muscles can lead to muscle imbalances as the body tries to adapt while figuring out other ways to hold the head up straight. Excessive forward head posture may also lead to reduced flexibility of the neck—particularly when rotating and flexing the neck—and can have a negative impact on balance.

Rounded Shoulders – Another Easy Fix

Another related postural issue is rounded shoulders—or “mom posture”—which is when the resting position of the shoulders is too far forward from the body’s ideal alignment. As with forward head posture, rounded shoulders often result from extended periods of slouching with the shoulders positioned too far forward and downwards. When combined with forward head posture, it can lead to further strain and cause shoulder pain and dysfunction.

Strengthening exercises and hands-on therapy could be a solution for posture issues

These types of postural faults can effectively be addressed through exercises that increase muscle strength and stability, as well as manual (or hands-on) therapy techniques that improve range of motion and alleviate pain; however, research on the combination of these interventions for improving posture is limited. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical therapist-led treatment program that combined stabilization exercises with manual therapy for patients with forward head and rounded shoulder postures.

Research Supports Specific Exercises…Again

After being screened for inclusion, 60 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: Group 1 performed stabilization exercises and received manual therapy, Group 2 performed stabilization exercises only, and Group 3 performed home exercises only. Each of these programs lasted for six weeks. A physical therapist guided patients through the stabilization exercises, which were performed three times per week for the six weeks and were designed to increase the strength and flexibility of the neck muscles. Manual therapy was performed by a manual therapist and focused on increasing the range of motion of the neck muscles through a series of manipulations. Group 3 served as the control group and performed a basic home exercise program three times per week that was intended to improve posture during daily activities. All patients were assessed before these interventions, immediately afterwards, and then one month later with several outcome measures related to pain and function.

Manual Therapy by a Physical Therapist is Even Better

Results showed that pain and function significantly improved in Groups 1 and 2 after completing the treatment program, and these improvements were maintained at the one-month follow-up. When compared to one another, it was found that patients in Group 1 experienced greater benefits in pain and function than Group 2. This suggests that the addition of manual therapy added to the positive effects from the stabilization exercises, which was likely the result of improved range of motion and reduced swelling and inflammation that resulted from manual therapy.

Exercise & Hands-on Care by a Physical Therapist Help

Additional research is needed to confirm these findings, but it appears that a physical therapist-led program that combines manual therapy and neck stabilization exercises is beneficial for patients with forward head and rounded shoulders posture.

Call Us Now for Help with Your Posture

So if you’re dealing with any neck or shoulder pain and feel that your posture is not quite ideal, Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy can help. Contact us at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to schedule an appointment today.

Physical Therapy After Neck Surgery in Hanford or Visalia

Bouncing back from neck surgery
requires the individualized care of a physical therapist

Neck pain is the third most common cause of chronic pain in the country, placing only behind back pain and headaches in this ranking. Figures vary, but it’s been reported that up to 50% of the population will experience an episode of neck pain each year, and up to 70% will encounter it at some point in their lifetime.

Most cases of neck pain are due to strains and sprains of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the bones of the spine and keep our heads upright. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include sleeping on your neck wrong, sitting or standing for prolonged periods with bad posture—especially from leaning over too much—spending too much time performing repetitive movements, and regularly carrying a heavy backpack, purse, or briefcase. Neck pain can also develop from conditions like osteoarthritis, a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, or from sudden injuries that may cause whiplash or other problems in the neck.

When neck pain does occur, most experts strongly recommend seeking out conservative (non-surgical) treatments like physical therapy, which is intended to safely alleviate painful symptoms and improve functional abilities. Physical therapy will lead to notable improvements in the majority of patients with neck pain, but not everyone responds to treatment to an adequate degree. For these individuals and anyone with neck instability, a pinched nerve in the neck that’s getting worse, compression on the spinal cord, and other more serious issues, surgery may become necessary. In these rare cases, discectomy, fusion, and cervical disc replacement are some of the most common procedures that will be performed.

Physical therapy steps in after surgery to help patients regain their abilities
Surgery has the potential to help patients improve significantly, but positive outcomes are only possible if the patient also completes a structured physical therapy program. Physical therapists work with patients as early as the day after surgery to begin regaining their strength, flexibility, and other abilities, setting these individuals on a path to a full recovery. Your personalized treatment program will depend on the type of surgery performed and your individual goals, but some or all of the following elements are likely to be included:

Stretching exercises: your therapist will slowly help you regain your flexibility and range of motion through gentle exercises that will gradually increase in intensity
Strengthening exercises: one of the primary ways to avoid future neck pain is by building back the strength of neck muscles that may have been lost through injury and surgery
Manual therapy: once the incision wounds have healed, your therapist will begin performing a series of hands-on techniques such as massage, mobilization, and manipulation to increase mobility levels and alleviate any lingering symptoms
Functional education and training: your therapist will also teach you the best ways to move your body in tasks that involve the neck—like lifting objects—which will help you to move more efficiently and avoid future neck pain

Neck surgery is only needed in rare circumstances when conservative methods have failed or the patient is at risk for more serious complications, but in the event that it is needed, physical therapy will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process. So if you have neck pain and are either looking for an effective treatment or considering surgery, we can help. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Neck Pain Expert in Visalia for Pinched Nerves in the Neck

Pain radiating out from the neck is best treated with physical therapist directed care and if you are looking for a neck pain expert in Visalia, we can help.

When it comes to a search for a neck pain expert in Visalia, there are options. But, who should you choose?

A medical doctor may be hard to get in to see, may run expensive tests, and the treatment is usually drugs.

Some chiropractors will suggest you “realign your spine” with repeated treatment sessions. You may end up thinking (or you are sold the idea that) the only way to treat the pain is with a chiropractic adjustment.

A Model of Treatment Based on Current Best Research and Common Sense

The physical therapists at Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy approach, who are also neck pain experts in Visalia, identify the root causes of your pain – muscles, joints, poor posture/body mechanics, and additional factors that may make you more sensitive to pain (this is called a biopsychosocial approach to the treatment of pain).

We Treat the Cause Then Teach You How to Care for Yourself

A Specific Kind of Neck Pain – Cervical Radiculopathy AKA, a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Some cases of cervical radiculopathy will get better on their own over the course of a days or weeks, but this not true for all patients. When the condition fails to improve, targeted interventions are needed. Physical therapy is a movement-based intervention that can effectively train patients to overcome their limitations by practicing specific exercises and changing the way they move in daily life. A typical physical therapy program for cervical radiculopathy will include the following:

Manual (hands-on) therapy
Cervical traction to reduce pressure on the nerve
Laser therapy for pain relief
Stretching exercises
Strengthening exercises
Posture education
Functional training

Physical therapy has been supported in the medical research as a beneficial treatment for cervical radiculopathy, with one study called a systematic review and meta-analysis identifying three powerful studies that evaluated the use a manual therapy technique (cervical spine manipulation) for this condition. Analysis of these studies led to the following conclusion:

There was evidence from three trials of moderate quality that supported cervical spine manipulation in treating people with degenerative cervical radiculopathy.

If You are Looking for a Neck Pain Expert Near Me, Click Here to Contact Us

Thus, if you are currently experiencing persistent pain or any other symptoms radiating down your arm that have not improved, it’s a good thing you searched for a neck pain expert in Visalia. We strongly recommend seeing one of our physical therapists soon to be evaluated. Following this approach will help you get started on an effective, personalized treatment plan and a path to less pain and better functioning right away.

Neck Pain Specialist in Hanford – Why You Should See Our PTs First

Looking for Neck Pain Specialist in Hanford? Our physical therapists can effectively address your neck pain with a variety of interventions.

Google searching for a neck pain specialist in Hanford? If so, read on to learn more about why physical therapy treatment provided by one of our expert clinicians is a great first choice.

When thinking about problems that affect the spine, back pain often comes to mind first. There is good reason for this, as up to 90% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their life. But the lower back is certainly not the only region of the spine where pain can arise. Neck pain isn’t quite as prevalent as low back pain, but it’s still a rather common and bothersome condition that deserves its own attention.

The statistics clearly show that neck pain is a major problem in the general population. Neck pain the third most common cause of chronic pain in the U.S.—after back pain and headaches—and at any given point in time, its overall prevalence is about 12% in adult females and 9% in adult males. The lifetime prevalence (the chance you will experience neck pain some time in your life) of neck pain in today’s working population is approximately 45%, which is about half that of back pain.

Most cases of neck pain are due to a muscle strain or sprain of tendons or ligaments (common in auto accidents) in the neck or areas that support the neck, though other issues may also be responsible. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:

sleeping on your neck wrong,
sitting or standing for prolonged periods with bad posture—especially from leaning over too much
spending many hours performing repetitive movements, and
regularly carrying a heavy backpack, purse, or briefcase.

Biomechanical Diagnoses that are Correlated with Neck Pain

Neck pain can also develop from conditions like osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis, or from sudden injuries that may cause whiplash or other problems in the neck.

Primary symptoms include pain that is often worsened by holding or lifting your head in place for long periods, muscle tightness and spasms, a decreased ability to move your head, and possibly headaches. For some people, neck pain is also accompanied by upper back or shoulder pain, and pain in the shoulder may be referred from the neck.

If you happen to experience neck pain, the safest and most effective way to address it is by undergoing a course of physical therapy. A physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan based on your individual condition that factors in your abilities, preferences, and goals. Each treatment program differs depends on these factors, but most will include the following components:

Pain-relieving modalities like ice and/or heat therapy
Stretching exercises
Strengthening exercises
Posture training
Functional mobility training
Massage and other manual (hands-on) therapies

To illustrate just how effective physical therapy can be for neck pain, a study compared two groups of patients, with one receiving education only and the other following a specific course exercises for the neck and shoulder in addition to education. The results were as follows:

The exercise group showed statistically significant improvements in physical health-related quality of life, mental health-related quality of life, depression, pain threshold and muscle function compared to the education-only group.

This study highlights the numerous benefits that are possible through a course of physical therapy that targets neck pain. If you’ve been dealing with any neck pain of your own that’s getting in the way of your daily activities and the things you love, we strongly recommend seeing a physical therapist first and fast. Doing so is your best bet for a successful recovery and a quick return to a pain-free lifestyle.

For More Information, Click Here to Visit Our Contact Page

Looking for Neck Treatment in Visalia or Hanford?

Seeing one of our physical therapists early for your neck pain can help save you money and can reduce your use of healthcare. Below are the reasons why.

You’re Not Alone – Neck Pain is Common

After back pain and headaches, neck pain is the third most common cause of chronic—or long-lasting—pain. The prevalence of neck pain at any given point in time is about 12% in women and 9% in men, and its overall prevalence in today’s working population is approximately 45%, which is about half the prevalence of back pain. One way to interpret this is that for every two people that have back pain, about one will have neck pain.

Most cases of neck pain are due to a muscle strain or sprain of tendons or ligaments in the neck or areas that support the neck, though other issues may also be responsible. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include sleeping on your neck wrong, sitting or standing for prolonged periods with bad posture—especially from leaning over too much—spending many hours performing repetitive movements and carrying a heavy backpack, purse, or briefcase. Neck pain can also develop from conditions like osteoarthritis, a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, or from sudden injuries that may cause whiplash or other problems in the neck.

Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?

The main symptoms include pain that is often worsened by holding or lifting your head in place for long periods, muscle tightness and spasms, decreased ability to move your head, and headaches. For some people, neck pain is also accompanied by upper back or shoulder pain, and pain in the shoulder may actually be referred from the neck.

Due to its high frequency, neck pain is also one of the most common reasons that individuals seek out treatment, and most go to their primary care doctor first. Doctors may recommend medication, additional testing, a referral to a specialist, or some combination of these interventions, but evidence is lacking to support many of the popular approaches used.

Natural Care is the Best First Choice

Physical therapy, on the other hand, has been supported by plenty of research that has found it to be effective for reducing patients’ costs and their use of healthcare. It is also generally recommended to see a physical therapist sooner rather than later, but there is a lack of research on the impact of seeing a physical therapist early on these costs and use of healthcare. Therefore, a recent study was conducted to investigate how seeing a physical therapist at different points in time affected patient costs and healthcare use. The conclusion states:

This study has found an association with the timing of physical therapy consultation on healthcare utilization and costs, where delayed (waiting more than 14 days) and late (waiting to see a PT for >90 days) physical therapy consultation is associated with increased costs and overall healthcare utilization, particularly of healthcare services with conflicting evidence for effectiveness.

Based on these findings, patients with neck pain should strongly consider seeing a physical therapist within 14 days of the start of the pain. Doing so early in order to reap the greatest benefits. Patients that waited more than 14 days spent $1000+ more on their neck pain care. Patients that waited more than 90 days spent an average of $2000+ on the care for their neck.

Don’t Wait – if you’re currently dealing with neck pain, we advise you to consult one of our physical therapists soon to get started on your path to recovery.

Click here for our contact information.

Physical therapy is often the best solution for long-lasting pain that is difficult to treat

No matter how hard we try, pain is unavoidable. It may be uncomfortable, but pain is actually pretty helpful. It’s the body’s way letting us know that something is wrong and that it needs attention. Most of the time, this “pain signal” eventually goes away either on its own or after tending to it (like putting ice on a sprained ankle). But for some people, the pain signal continues long after the problem has been resolved. When it lasts for three months or more, the term “chronic pain” is used, which is usually a troublesome issue to fix.

Your Nerves are Sensors – Pain is an Output from the Brain

When you injure yourself, pain-detecting sensors become activated in that area. These sensors then send a message in the form of an electrical signal to the brain, which processes the signal and sends out a message that something is wrong. After most injuries, this signal stops after the cause of pain is resolved, meaning the injured area has healed. But with chronic pain, these nerve signals continue sending messages that you are in pain even though there is no longer any injury.

Unfortunately, the reasons behind why chronic pain occurs are not well understood. For some individuals, pain from conditions like headaches/migraines, arthritis, back pain, infections or nerve damage is the original source of pain. But even more confusing are cases in which there was no known injury or condition responsible, and yet the patient continues to experience similar chronic pain symptoms.

Chronic Pain Can be Effectively Treated with Natural Physical Therapy Care

Unlike injuries in which there is a specific cause of pain and disability, chronic pain is often far more difficult to treat, since the problem is more related to the nervous system than any physical issue. On the bright side, recent research is helping experts better understand the mechanisms behind chronic pain and what treatments are effective for addressing it. Physical therapists often see patients with chronic pain and are equipped to treat them with a variety of interventions that have been found to be helpful. Some of these include:

Education on how the brain and nervous system are causing the pain
Strengthening and flexibility exercises
Hands-on (manual) therapy techniques
Posture and body mechanics awareness

A recent study investigated the use of routine physical therapy and the addition of a technique commonly used by therapists called cervical mobilization for chronic neck pain. They found both to be beneficial, which can be seen in the study’s conclusion:

The results suggest that a combination of cervical mobilization with routine physical therapy is more effective for reducing pain and disability and improving neck muscle endurance and neck flexibility in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain compared to routine physiotherapy alone

So for those of you who have been dealing with any type of chronic pain and are frustrated with your progress, the best decision you can make is to see a physical therapist for a personalized, comprehensive treatment program that’s right for you. For more information, click here to contact us.