Importance of physical therapy in neck pain managment

Pain in the neck is felt quite often. There is a variety of reasons why it occurs. The first thought that every person gets when experiencing pain in the neck is how to get rid of it or at least relieve the pain. Physical therapy plays a vital role in management of the symptoms and the main goals of it are to make the muscles, tendons and ligaments which provide the support for the vertebrae stronger and better working.

Pain in the Neck

Physical therapy is not an essential part of every treatment of neck pain. For instance, if a person is suffering from cervical disc disease, certain home remedies and interventions are sufficient in order for the condition to be treated. Cervical disc disease is a condition where an abnormality is present in one or more discs which are located between the vertebrae. These abnormalities are the cause of neck pain in this situation. However, it is a far better option to go to the hospital and seek advice from a physical therapist. He or she will show a person how to perform certain stretching and strengthening techniques which will make the neck and vertebrae stronger. In addition to this, a physical therapist will correct the patient’s posture if it is incorrect and even prevent the pain from recurring in the future. Visiting a chiropractor is a good option as well. In almost all situations when a person is experiencing neck pain, exercises and manipulations performed by the health care providers are enough in order for a person to ease discomfort and restore movement.

When a person arrives at the physical therapist’s, he or she will make a complete evaluation and examination of the patient’s neck and see to which extent the patient can move his or her neck. The symptoms of this condition like pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, tingling sensation in shoulder or arm and pain in the hand and even fingers will be discussed as well. Strength and reflexes of the patient will also be checked.

Physical Therapy for the Neck Pain

Even though there are several options for management of neck pain, physical therapy is still considered to be the best one. Through physical therapy the patient will be able to get rid of the pain, get to know how to perform stretching exercises of the neck, make the neck stronger, learn the proper stature if that was the cause of the pain and even learn exercises that will prevent the pain from recurring. When exercises for the proper stature are considered, a lot of physical therapists make the patients stand in front of the mirror while they perform these exercises. This is of great significance because that way the patient will be able to see themselves and make necessary corrections.

Going to the physical therapist when experiencing neck pain is vital because he or she knows certain exercises and manipulations which will relieve the stiffness and make the neck function the way it should. Before performing any of the exercises, a lot of patients take part in different treatments like applying heat or cold, deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation and even an ultrasound.

Those patients who opted going to the chiropractor should be aware that a majority of exercises and techniques are the same as a physical therapist uses. The goal of the chiropractor is to relieve the pain, improve mobility and range of motion and get rid of stiffness. All of these goals are achieved through certain manipulations which a chiropractors uses. Every patient can go to the chiropractor’s but it is mainly those patients who suffer from vascular problems in the neck or advanced osteoarthritis who benefit more from going to them.

Cervical traction is one of the techniques used most often by both chiropractors and physical therapist. Through this technique the neck will extend and the spaces between the cervical vertebrae will open. Thanks to this opening, the pressure on the discs will not be pressured so much for the moment. There are two ways in which this technique can be used. These are continuously and intermittently. However, periods of resting and pulling are the significant parts of this treatment. Another reason why tractions are good is because they can be performed at home as well. Pulley systems exist and thanks to them the patient does not need to go on therapy every day. However, before performing cervical tractions at home, it is essential that the therapist shows the patient how to do it on his or her own and make sure that the equipment is appropriate.

Certain pillows called cervical or neck pillows are specially designed pillows for those who suffer from cervical disc disease. These pillows will partially immobilize the neck during sleep. However, there is still no strong proof that supports the effectuality of these pillows.