Neck Pain Treatment In Langley

Neck pain, medically referred to as cervicalgia, is a prevalent issue that affects people at some point in their lives. It is the discomfort experienced in any of the structures of the neck, which includes muscles, nerves, bones (vertebrae), joints, and the intervertebral discs. Although the pain is felt in the neck, it can originate from various spinal problems.

Neck or cervical pain is usually localized to a specific area in the neck and can spread to other parts of the upper body and arms. It may be a result of injury, disease or some other disorder.

Physiotherapy For Neck Pain Relief

Physiotherapy is effective in managing cervical pain. Physiotherapy treatment involves various techniques aimed at relieving pain, improving mobility, and addressing the underlying causes of neck pain. At Opal Physiotherapy, we have a great team to help with your neck issues!

Causes of neck pain

Neck pain is an issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The neck is an intricate area of the body with many potential reasons for pain.

Some of the more common causes are:

Muscular strain or tightness in the neck and upper back,
Head injury
Poor posture: The pain may arise from muscle strains due to overuse, such as spending many hours hunched over a computer or smartphone or even from activities as benign as reading in bed.
Sleeping posture
Stress
Headaches or migraines
Spinal disc herniations
Nerve compression – pinching of the nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae,
Degenerative conditions like spondylosis and spinal stenosis
Osteoarthritis
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or tumours can also lead to neck pain.

Neck pain symptoms

Neck pain can manifest in various ways, and symptoms may differ from person to person. Common symptoms associated with neck pain include:

Pain: The primary symptom is discomfort or pain in the neck. This can range from a dull, persistent ache to sharp, stabbing pain.
Stiffness: A feeling of tightness or reduced flexibility in the neck muscles, making it difficult to turn or tilt the head.
Headaches: Neck pain is often associated with tension headaches radiating from the skull’s base to the forehead.
Radiating pain: Pain may radiate into the shoulders, arms, or fingers. This can be a sign of nerve compression or irritation.
Muscle spasms: Involuntary contractions or spasms in the neck muscles can contribute to pain and stiffness.
Numbness and tingling: Compression of nerves in the neck can lead to numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the arms or hands.
Weakness: Muscular weakness in the arms or hands may occur due to nerve involvement in the neck.
Difficulty swallowing: In some cases, neck pain may be associated with difficulty swallowing or a sensation of a lump in the throat.
Jaw pain: Discomfort or pain in the jaw, often associated with neck and upper back tension.
Impaired coordination: Severe neck issues may result in impaired coordination and balance.
Grinding or popping sounds: Some individuals may experience grinding or popping sounds (crepitus) when moving their necks, which indicates joint issues.
Fatigue: Chronic neck pain can lead to fatigue and a decreased ability to perform regular activities.

If you experience persistent or severe neck pain, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function, seek prompt medical attention. A healthcare professional can help determine the underlying cause of your neck pain and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Prevention tips

Preventing neck pain involves maintaining good posture, performing regular exercises, and making lifestyle adjustments. Here are some tips:

Ensure your workstation is set up correctly to avoid straining your neck
Replace your pillow and try a new sleeping position
Perform regular stretching exercises for your neck muscles
Strengthen your upper body to help support the neck
Use heat packs to relax your muscles
Watch your posture and keep your head in line with the center of your body.

Neck pain management

Neck pain is a common ailment that can significantly disrupt daily life. Various factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, or the effects of aging, can cause it. Numerous strategies, ranging from self-care measures to medical treatments, exist for managing and providing neck pain relief.

Self-care measures:

Heat and cold therapy: Applying cold, such as an ice pack, can reduce inflammation during the first 48 hours of pain onset. After that, heat application, like a warm shower or heating pad, can help.
Home exercises: Gentle stretching, including neck range of movement and shoulder rolls, can help keep the neck moving and alleviate pain
Exercises such as tilting your head from side to side or stretching your shoulders can also be beneficial.
Rest and proper posture: Resting and maintaining a good posture can help manage neck pain. However, keeping the neck moving is essential, as too much rest could exacerbate the pain.
Massage: Self-kneading the muscles in the neck can provide relief, especially for chronic neck pain resulting from tightened muscles.

Lifestyle adjustments:

Mindful movement: Regular stretching can help release tension in your neck muscles. Especially if you spend long hours at a desk, take breaks every one to two hours for a quick stretch.
Sleeping position: If you consistently wake up with a sore or stiff neck, consider adjusting your sleeping position or trying a new pillow.
Stress management: High-stress levels can contribute to neck pain. Therefore, managing stress through breathing techniques, mindfulness, or yoga can be beneficial.

Medical treatments

Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Other prescription- anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants may also be used.
Physiotherapy: Physical therapy can help improve movement in the neck and alleviate pain
Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique can also be used to manage neck pain
Surgical procedures: If other options fail to relieve cervical pain, surgery may be recommended. Advances in minimally invasive surgery can lead to less pain and a shorter recovery period.

Benefits of treating neck pain with physiotherapy

Pain relief and improved mobility
Improve strength and endurance.
Personalized treatment approach
Prevention of recurring pain
Complementary to other treatments
Post-surgery rehabilitation-Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial for those recovering from neck surgery. It can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and speed up recovery.

Neck pain physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain involves various techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying causes of the pain. It’s important to note that before starting any treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the specific cause of your neck pain.

Here are some physiotherapy treatments for neck pain that we offer at Opal physio:

Assessment and diagnosis: A physiotherapist will first assess your neck pain, considering your medical history, lifestyle, and any contributing factors.
Education: Understanding the cause of your neck pain and learning about proper posture and ergonomics can help prevent future issues. Your physiotherapist may provide education on lifestyle modifications.
Range of motion exercises: Gentle neck exercises can help improve flexibility and range of motion.
Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises for the neck and upper back muscles can help improve strength and support for the spine. Strengthening the muscles around the neck can alleviate stress on the joints.
Postural correction: Addressing poor posture is crucial in managing neck pain. Your physiotherapist may guide you on maintaining proper posture during daily activities.
Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretches may be used to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility.
Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Your physiotherapist may recommend the appropriate method based on your specific condition.
Traction: Traction involves gently stretching the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. This can be done manually.
Ultrasound and Laser: Modalities like ultrasound and laser treatment may be used to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
Posture and ergonomic advice: Your physiotherapist may help you maintain good posture at work and at home and recommend ergonomic adjustments.
Home exercise program: Your physiotherapist may design a personalized exercise program for you to continue at home, helping to reinforce the progress made during in-office sessions.

Remember, living with daily pain shouldn’t be the norm. With the right strategies, you can manage neck pain effectively and improve your quality of life.