Neck Pain Physical Therapy

Neck Pain

The neck consists of seven small bones called vertebrae stacked one on top of the other. Running centrally through their canal is the spinal cord, from which arise nerves that travel eventually to your hands providing sensation and motor supply. Also in this region are small pre-vertebral muscles that provide stability to these bony segments, while the larger muscles provide movement of the head and neck. The neck can become a problematic area as a result of sprain, strain, degeneration causing pinched nerves and poor posture.

CONDITIONS COMMONLY SEEN

Muscle strain from poor posture or whiplash injury

Degenerative disc and joints from aging

Spinal stenosis

Pinched nerves causing neck pain radiating down into the arms and hands

Headache and jaw pain

SYMPTOMS

Localized and radiating pain

Decreased range of motion

Headaches

Sensory disturbance in the hands

Weakness causing difficulty with carrying objects or performing finer tasks as in sewing or buttoning clothes

Difficulty with walking/loss of balance

PT MANAGEMENT

Pain control

Postural correction

Movement re-education

Gait/balance training

Strength and mobility training