Neck Pain

Neck pain can be debilitating and very uncomfortable and specially if the pain start to radiate to the shoulders and down the arms.

It is estimated that 54% of adults  will suffer from neck pain and 4.6%  of that population will experience important activity limitations in some point in their lifespan.  The prevalence of neck pain peaks in middle age and it is known to be more common in women. 

Your neck is an integral area of everyday movement, and sharp pains can prevent you from functioning properly in your day-to-day life. Whether your neck pain presents difficulty when trying to sit up straight in your chair at work or tilting your head down to tie your shoes, physiotherapy can help give you relief. Many people are able to find relief from their neck pain every year through the help of physiotherapy. At Prestige Physiotherapy we are dedicated to providing you with the neck pain relief you need.

There are a number of reasons that can explain your neck pain. When you experience neck pain, it typically can run from the base of your skull to the top of your shoulder blades, finally settling in the back of the neck. The pain may vary in severity, from a constant dull ache to sharp and stabbing pains. 

Neck pain can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body
• Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities
• Headaches
• Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
• Arm weakness
• Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
• Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight

Neck pain is most commonly caused by an injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck; however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain. Some common conditions that give you a pain in your neck include:

Injuries

Whiplash, typically sustained by an automobile or high-impact sports collision,  is one of the most common injuries that results in neck pain. This is known as a “strain” injury, causing the head to whip rapidly back-and-forth, thus affecting the soft tissues in the back of the neck. 

Nerve compression

If you have a herniated disc in your neck, or narrowing of the foramen (space where the nerves exit the spine), the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord can become compressed. In some cases, nerve pain can even extend from the neck all the way down to the hands and fingers — a condition known as “radiculopathy.”

Muscle strains

 The muscles in your neck can become strained by overuse. Even something as simple as sitting at your desk all day with your neck pointing towards the computer screen can lead to a strain in your neck muscles.

Joint degeneration

Much like any other joint in your body, the neck joints can degenerate with age which can lead to pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, also resulting in neck pain.

Physiotherapy is one of the best methods for treating neck pain. At Prestige Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists will conduct an initial physical evaluation to analyze the range of motion in your neck, as well as any limitations you have due to your pain. They will then formulate a diagnosis that will determine what your treatment plan will consist of.  

Treatments for your neck pain will most likely include manual or “hands-on” therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve your range of motion. Our Physiotherapists will also provide you with targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck. We will focus on improving your posture to aid in the recovery of your neck muscles, as well as avoiding re-injury in the future. Additional treatment services may include ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation and dry needling, as our Physiotherapists deems fit. 

Don’t let your neck pain cause any more discomfort. Contact us today and schedule your appointment! We will help you get started on the road toward long-lasting pain relief.