Physical Therapy for Neck Pain in Norwood

Neck pain is a common condition that can greatly impact someone’s daily life. Neck pain can occur with various other symptoms such as headaches, arm pain, and numbness/tingling in the arm(s). Some people experience neck pain after a specific incident, while others may not be able to pinpoint an exact cause of their pain.

About Your Neck

Your spine is separated into five regions: the cervical spine (your neck), the thoracic spine (your mid-back), the lumbar spine (your low back), and the sacrum and coccyx (your tailbone). The cervical spine is composed of seven bones called vertebrae that are each separated by discs. As shock absorbers, the discs work to distribute load appropriately through your spine and contribute to both mobility and stability of your spine. Your spine is further supported by muscles and ligaments. Your cervical spine has the most mobility out of all the regions of your spine, and it is also responsible for protecting important nerves and arteries.

What are Common Symptoms of Neck Pain?

Neck pain can occur with various other symptoms such as headaches, arm pain, and numbness/tingling in the arm(s). Some people experience neck pain after a specific incident, while others may not be able to pinpoint an exact cause of their pain.

Some symptoms of neck pain may include:

• Pain
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Numbness/tingling in the arm
• Headaches
• Weakness

Treating Neck Pain with Physical Therapy

Whether you are seeking treatment for a recent injury, dealing with chronic neck pain, or recovering from neck surgery, at Powered Up Physical Therapy, you will always work one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who will create an individualized treatment plan catered specifically to your needs.

Your Initial Evaluation

During your first visit, you will receive a thorough initial evaluation, which will include a discussion of the history of your neck pain or injury as well as a physical examination to determine your range of motion, strength, movement patterns, posture, etc. Your physical therapist will also evaluate whether your neck pain is coming from your neck or whether your pain is from other areas such as your shoulder or mid-back. Based upon the findings of your evaluation, your physical therapist will use their clinical expertise and the best evidence available to devise a treatment plan for you.

Follow Up Treatments

Each visit will entail one hour of personalized treatment. Your physical therapist will track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Your treatment plan may include services such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, posture and ergonomic education, or other services to help you achieve your goals. You will always receive a targeted home exercise program at the end of each session to perform in between sessions so you’re constantly working on improving your symptoms and addressing your strength and mobility. When done regularly, these exercises will help lead to a faster and stronger recovery!

Below are a few strategies that we use at Powered Up Physical Therapy to help rehabilitate your neck:

• Manual therapy such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization (massage)
• Therapeutic exercises
• Education on posture and ergonomics
• Home exercise programs