Neck Pain Relief
How Physical Therapy Can Successfully Relieve Neck Pain
Your neck is an integral area of everyday movement, and pain can prevent you from functioning properly. Whether your neck pain makes it difficult when trying to sit up straight in your chair at work, turning your head while driving or waking up in the morning, or tilting your head down to tie your shoes, physical therapy in Downtown and Research Pkwy in Colorado Springs, CO can help give you relief. Neck pain can be very limiting in your daily routine activities, especially if the pain goes from your neck down to your shoulders.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one-third of the population will experience neck pain in any given year. It can get worse if left untreated, and in severe cases, surgery may even be needed.
Many people can find relief from their neck pain every year through the help of physical therapy. Our physical therapists provide you with the neck pain relief you need.
Physical therapy treatments for neck pain
Physical therapy is one of the best methods for treating neck pain. At Total Function Physical Therapy PC, our physical therapists conduct an initial examination. This examination includes listening to your concerns and then performing a physical evaluation. In this evaluation, we analyze your neck’s range of motion and limitations due to the pain. They will then create a diagnosis that will determine the make-up of your treatment plan. You will work together to understand the goals and expectations of your plan of care, with the focus being to overcome neck pain and recover as quickly as possible.
Treatments for your neck pain will most likely include manual or “hands-on” therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to resolve the pain and restore the mobility and function of your neck. Our physical therapists will also provide you with targeted exercises that will strengthen, build, and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck. We will focus on improving your whole-body posture to aid in the recovery of your neck muscles, as well as avoiding re-injury in the future. Additional treatment services may include ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation and traction used adjunctively as your physical therapist deems fit.
What is causing my neck pain?
Neck pain is most commonly caused by an injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck; however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain. Some common conditions that give you a pain in your neck include:
Nerve compression
If you have a herniated disc in your neck or narrowing of the foramen (space where the nerves exit the spine), the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord can become compressed and irritated. In some cases, nerve pain can even extend from the neck all the way down to the hands and fingers — a condition often referred to as “radiculopathy.”
Illnesses
Certain diseases and ailments can result in neck pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.
Joint degeneration
Much like any other joint in your body, the neck joints can erode with age, causing pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, also resulting in neck pain.
Muscle strains
The muscles in your neck can become strained by overuse. Even sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer can strain your neck muscles.
Injuries
Whiplash, typically sustained by an automobile or high-impact sports collision, is one of the most common injuries that result in neck pain. This is also known as a “sprain/strain” injury. This is caused by the head whipping rapidly back and forth, affecting the soft tissues in the neck.
Understanding your pain
There are several reasons why neck pain may occur. When you experience neck pain, it can run from the base of your skull to the top of your shoulder blades, finally settling in the back of the neck. The pain may vary in severity, from a constant dull ache to sharp and stabbing pains. Neck pain can sometimes include additional symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
- Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
- Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
- Stiffness and muscle tightness in the upper body
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities
- Arm weakness
How can I schedule an appointment?
Do not let your neck pain cause any more discomfort. Contact Total Function Physical Therapy PC in Downtown and Research Pkwy in Colorado Springs, CO to speak with one of our licensed physical therapists today and schedule your appointment!



