Neck Pain - Physiotherapy treatment in Vaughan
A Real Pain in the Neck!
The neck area in medical terminology is known as the cervical spine. Pain and dysfunction in this area is common and ever growing thanks to our dependence and need for information technology (phones, computers etc.). And it is not just teenagers and adults that suffer from cervical pain and discomfort. Theses days we see young children with the same issues adults are presenting with in respect to neck pain. At some point one must ask themselves is it time for a lifestyle change?
Well, you are in luck! Physiotherapy At Woodbridge has the information and advice that can help you relieve that pain in your neck without interrupting your lifestyle (too much).
Common Causes of Neck Pain
- Poor Posture: if you do a lot of slouching in sitting or standing there is a chance you can trace your neck and/or shoulder pain back to your posture. Over the years the strain on your spine can build up and eventually cause pain and stiffness that may need medical attention. If you think your desk set up at home or work is contributing to your pain you should adjust it so that you are more ergonomically sound. If you tend to slouch out of bad habit and want some professional advice on how you can improve your posture you should contact Physiotherapy at Woodbridge for a postural assessment. You can read more on poor posture and postural tips here https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/posture-align-yourself-for-good-health/art-20269950
- Wry Neck: also known as Torticollis, is a condition characterized by one sided neck pain. A person’s neck becomes very stiff and painful possibly through an onset of muscle spasm and irritation of the cervical ligaments. The exact mechanism of injury can range from an infection to sleeping in an awkward position. Read more on wry neck here: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/torticollis-wryneck
- Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD): this condition is a form of osteoarthritis (OA), where the cartilage of the spinal joints begin to wear out. There is cartilage found at each level of the spine which begins to wear away often as part of the aging process. When the cartilage gets degraded the bones of the spine tend to rub off each other creating an inflammatory process and pain. You can read more on DDD here: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/degenerative-disc-disease
- Herniated Disk (Disk Bulge): at every level of the spine a disk separates the vertebrae (spinal bones) from each other. The disk is a soft structure with a jelly like center that acts as a shock-absorber and cushion for the spine. When a herniation occurs the center of the disk (jelly substance) gets pushed out towards the spinal nerves. This can happen at any level of the spine and can cause a range of symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling or weakness of the arms or legs. You can read more on herniated disk here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095
- Cervical Stenosis: this condition is most common in the neck and low back this condition is characterized by a narrowing of the spaces in the spine which are passageways for the spinal nerves. The condition is commonly caused by natural degeneration of the spine related to age (arthritis). Symptoms include stiffness, pain, numbness, tingling or weakness of the legs or arms. You can read more on spinal stenosis here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961
- Cervicogenic Headaches (Tension Headaches): these headaches are common in all age groups for a wide range of reasons like stress, postural strain or injuries from sports or a fall. This type of pain is also known as a tension headache, and there is typically a lot of muscle tension at the base of your skull and neck. The tension can also cause stiffness and pain in the neck causing a lot of discomfort. The tension headache can be felt at your forehead, base of your skull or temple area. A physiotherapy assessment will quickly diagnose tension headaches and are usually easily treated with manual therapy, dry needling and electrotherapies. For more information on tension headaches click this link: https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/cervicogenic-headache-facts_
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Our clinicians at Physiotherapy At Woodbridge will conduct a thorough physiotherapy assessment of your neck on your first visit. This will give your clinician the necessary indication of what your diagnosis is which will be explained to you at that time. A treatment plan will be co-ordinated with you which will include a wide range of modalities. Quite often pain control is the first port of call for your therapist to address. The therapist may use modalities and treatments such as:
- Mckenzie Technique
- Dry Needling
- Bioflex Laser
- Manual therapy
- Kinesio-Taping
- Exercise
- Education
As once as your pain is beginning to subside your therapist will most likely use hands on techniques called manual therapy. Manual therapy can involve deep tissue massage, mobilizations, or soft tissue release techniques. Exercise prescription and education are also an important part of the treatment plan. This is because it is important you learn about your condition and how-to self manage in the long term. Sometimes a knee brace and/or orthotics will be recommended. Lifestyle modifications, pacing, postural education and gradual return to sport or regular daily activities will be covered.
Need More Info?
Physiotherapy@Woodbridge aims to not only recover you from neck pain but to prevent future problems. Our aim is to provide you with the background information as to the cause of your pain which will help you maintain and prevent future issues. Rehabilitation should make you stronger and more resilient for your future activity.
Take a look at our home page under our services for more information or if you have an injury and would like to book in for assessment then please contact us or book an appointment with us online.
Thanks for reading our blog and if you need any advice – please get in touch
