Experiencing persistent neck pain? Physical therapy can help. A licensed physical therapist can work with you to identify the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. With specialty treatments like dry needling, your physical therapist can offer effective solutions designed to provide long-term relief.
Neck pain is a common symptom. Experts estimate that about 1 in 3 people are affected once a year. In some cases, this pain only lasts for a short time and then goes away. In other cases, however, it can continue to persist. If you’re experiencing chronic neck pain, treatment may be necessary. Not sure if you should seek treatment for your pain? By learning how to tell if your neck pain is a sign of something more serious, you can get a better understanding of when to seek treatment.
Top signs you should seek treatment for your chronic neck pain
Lasting symptoms — Has your neck pain lasted for longer than a week? If so, it might be indicative of a major injury or chronic condition. People who experience chronic neck pain often try at-home remedies such as rest, ice, compression and elevation (aka the RICE method). While this may alleviate some of your pain, it will not necessarily address the source of your symptoms. If you continue to experience neck pain despite attempts to recover and find relief, it might be time to seek professional treatment. A comprehensive physical therapy evaluation can be a great way to learn more about the condition that’s causing your pain, allowing you to benefit from more targeted, intentional care.
Pain spreading — Neck pain sometimes radiates to other parts of the body. When left untreated, you may notice your neck pain becoming more intense and spreading to regions like your shoulders and upper arms. There are many conditions that can cause radiating neck pain. Common causes include trigger points (muscle knots) and pinched nerves. These issues can start in the neck and lead to complications that affect your entire body. With treatments like hands-on manual therapy and posture correction, your physical therapist can help address the root cause of your pain.
Numbness or tingling — Is your neck pain accompanied by numbness or tingling in your limbs? These sensations are often signs of nerve issues. Even if your pain is localized in your neck, you may experience numbness and uncomfortable tingling down your arms and into your fingertips. This is because the nerves in the neck branch away from the spinal cord into other parts of the body. One of the most common causes of neck and arm pain is cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the neck is pinched or irritated. If you have a compressed nerve or nerve damage, getting professional treatment is crucial. Physical therapy can be highly beneficial. Your physical therapist can help alleviate your symptoms with treatments such as targeted neck stretches and pain management techniques.
Chronic headaches — Headaches are often connected to neck pain. When a tight or strained muscle is causing neck pain, it can also increase pressure on your head. This may lead to headaches that are persistent and severe. You may feel as if there’s constant pressure bearing against your scalp or the sides of your head. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you address all your symptoms. By addressing the core condition behind your head and neck pain, you can experience lasting relief.
Limited functionality — Do you have a hard time moving your head? If your neck feels stiff or weak, seeking treatment is essential. Difficulty engaging your neck muscles, especially when accompanied by chronic pain, could be a sign of a significant issue. In many cases, the underlying cause is a neck injury. Injuring a neck muscle can lead to a major loss of strength and range of motion. You may also notice heightened pain whenever you try to move your neck. Physical therapy can be crucial for restoring your physical capabilities.
Find neck pain relief at KC Rehab
Ready to experience relief from your neck pain? KC Rehab is here to help. We offer a range of treatments focused on pain relief. These treatments are then integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. At KC Rehab, our top priority is you, the patient. With an expert team of dedicated clinicians, we work one-on-one with each patient to help ensure that you achieve the best outcome.
Contact our team today for more information about neck pain relief or to schedule an initial appointment.
Comments