Physical Therapy for Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are common, and are often a complaint of athletes, people who are involved in minor car accidents, people who suffer a fall on wet or icy ground, and many others. At least 5% of the population of the entire world is estimated to suffer from neck pain at any given time. The neck is a key body area, containing the larynx, which lets us speak, the esophagus, with which we swallow, and a critical section of the spine.

A moderate or severe neck injury can make daily life difficult at best and be debilitating at worst – if you hurt your neck, you should get evaluated by a doctor and then receive treatment as soon as possible. At JAG PT, the area’s leading physical therapy clinics, we’re neck pain experts, and our empathetic PT staff will develop the best combination of treatment methods to relieve your neck symptoms and keep your head high in your daily life.

Is Physical Therapy Good for Neck Pain?

In a word, yes – most people’s neck pain is primarily musculoskeletal in nature. There are many physical therapy techniques with proven benefits for the musculoskeletal system, and strengthening and increasing the flexibility of the muscles of the neck can help speed healing and prevent future injury. In addition, JAG PT is committed to patient education – our therapists will help you learn how to change your posture and make other alterations that will protect your neck and keep it pain-free.

What Causes Pain in the Neck?

In many cases, neck pain results from an identifiable injury. However, another common cause is strain caused by the way people sit and use devices at school and work. Neck pain can also result from the joints of the upper back being in a stress position, pinching of vertebral nerves, or referred pain from lower down in the back, in addition to other injuries and conditions.

Physical Therapy Before and After Neck Surgery

People who are about to undergo neck surgery can benefit greatly from pre- and post-operative physical therapy. One of the biggest benefits of physical therapy treatment before and after surgery is increased flexibility. Since a stiff neck can be a big hindrance to returning to daily life, neck muscles that have as little tension as possible are ideal for neck surgery rehab.

Neck Injury Signs and Symptoms

The neck’s muscles, joints, and nerves form a complicated system. Symptoms of an injury or other condition affecting the neck can vary. The most common neck pathologies include the following –

Stiff Neck

One of the most common neck complaints is simply muscle stiffness. It can arise spontaneously without apparent cause, and can seriously affect your quality of life, such as by disrupting your sleep schedule.

Cervical Radiculopathy

The cervical vertebrae – those in the neck – contain many nerve roots. When too much pressure is placed on a root by other tissue, due to outside inflammation or injury, the nerve ceases to work properly and causes pain, unusual sensations, and difficulty controlling the muscles of the neck.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, known as CSM, is the most common form of deficiency in the spinal nerves. Myelopathies can cause altered reflex responses, clumsiness, and hypotonia, and have severe complications, such as bowel and bladder symptoms.

Cervical Stenosis

Narrowing of the cervical section of the spinal canal, or stenosis, is caused by chronic degeneration or simply wear due to aging. It is one of the most common types of spinal stenosis and can lead to severe symptoms like major weakness and paralysis, because the danger of spinal cord compression is significant.

Whiplash

Sudden motions and stops can frequently cause very painful acute injuries referred to as whiplash. Sensory disturbances and referred pain down the back are common, and whiplash sufferers usually need treatment for both their neck and shoulders.