There are several reasons why back and neck pain may occur. For example, any changes in the spine’s anatomy can lead to back pain, such as osteoarthritis, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar degenerative disc disease, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
One of the most common causes of neck pain is a muscle strain. This can develop from various causes, such as poor posture, whiplash, or abnormal sleeping positions. You may also experience neck pain from underlying conditions, such as a cervical herniated disc, cervical degenerative disc disease, or cervical osteoarthritis.
The pain from any of these conditions may vary from moderate to severe. Fortunately, physical therapy can help manage your pain. If you have been suffering from back or neck pain, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed physical therapists and discuss how our services can benefit you.
Diagnosing back and neck pain:
Back pain and neck pain can lead to a loss of productivity, and it is a common cause for disability. Because of this, it is important to seek the assistance of a medical professional immediately if you are suffering from back or neck pain.
It is likely that your doctor will want to conduct a physical exam, as well as any additional testing he or she may deem fit. This may include x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing to take a look at your soft tissues, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. This can help in determining where the pain is stemming from and will give a better idea of the necessary course of treatment. Whatever the case may be, it is likely that physical therapy will be recommended.
Relieving back and neck pain with physical therapy:
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for both back and neck pain. The goals and expected outcomes of these treatments include:
- Pain relief. By using passive treatments such as manual therapy, your physical therapist will help alleviate pain in the affected area an accelerate the healing process.
- Strength building. Your physical therapist will create a specific exercise plan for your particular needs, which will aid in the strengthening of muscles in the affected area.
- Increased range of motion. Your physical therapist will implement flexibility exercises into your treatment plan, which will help increase the range of motion in your back and neck.
- Injury prevention. By learning proper body mechanics, you can avoid future injuries and prevent pain from recurring.
- Enhanced quality of life. Physical therapy can help you return to your normal routine much quicker, allowing for an overall improvement in your quality of life.
Physical therapy treatments are typically split into two categories: passive and active. Passive physical therapy treatments for back and neck pain may include massage therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, or electrotherapy. These methods help in relieving pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Active physical therapy treatments for back and neck pain may include any targeted stretches or exercises that your physical therapist deems fit for the nature of your condition. These help with increasing strength, improving flexibility, and relieving pain in your spine and affected muscles.
Don’t let back and neck pain impact your life any longer. Contact our office today to get started on your path toward long-lasting relief!
