If you’re someone who’s been experiencing discomfort or pain around your neck and shoulders, you might be dealing with cervical pain. It’s a common condition that affects people of all ages. In this blog, we’ll explore what cervical pain is, its causes, and most importantly, how physiotherapy can provide relief from this condition.
What is Cervical Pain?
Cervical pain refers to the pain and discomfort felt in your neck, shoulders, and upper back region. This pain can be sharp or dull, accompanied by stiffness. This pain can cause severe discomfort often leading to reduced mobility, sleepless nights, loss of productivity and even headaches. Some cases of cervical pain require medical intervention, such as physiotherapy. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of cervical pain and how physiotherapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Causes of Cervical Pain
The most common cause of cervical pain is poor posture. Which includes spending too much time hunched over our mobile phones or laptops. This can cause strain on the spine and neck muscles and result in cervical pain. Other contributing factors include osteoarthritis, repetitive strain injuries from repeating the same action numerous times, such as swinging a golf club and degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease refers to the wear and tear of the spinal discs, which can lead to herniated discs and pinched nerves.
When to Seek Physiotherapist’s Help?
If you are experiencing severe symptoms of cervical pain such as persistent headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms, or extremely limited neck movement it is crucial to seek professional help. Also these symptoms can be indicative of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention. Your physiotherapist can help identify the root cause of your cervical pain and provide appropriate treatment options.
How can physiotherapy help with cervical pain?
Physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that aims to alleviate pain. Also to improve mobility so that you can return to all your Activities of Daily Living pain free. Firstly, a physiotherapist will assess your condition. Secondly, identify the cause of your cervical pain, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. The treatment plan may include exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Also, a massage to alleviate muscle tension, and manual therapy to improve joint movement. Physiotherapists may also use modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation to relieve pain.
The Physiotherapy treatment approach typically involves physical exercises and other interventions aimed at improving posture and strengthening the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. These exercises may include isometric neck strengthening exercises, chin tuck exercises, and postural retraining.
Your physiotherapist may also recommend heat therapy, cold compresses, and massage to facilitate healing and reduce inflammation.
Benefits of physiotherapy for cervical pain
- Improved Pain Relief: A physiotherapist can provide targeted treatment to reduce cervical pain and prevent its recurrence.
- Faster Recovery: Physiotherapy can accelerate the healing process of cervical pain by promoting blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and increasing tissue flexibility.
- Increased Functionality: Physiotherapy can improve your range of motion, strength, and endurance, allowing you to perform daily activities with ease and confidence.
- Better Posture and Balance: Physiotherapy can teach you proper posture, body mechanics, and balance, reducing the risk of neck strain and injury in the future.
- Individualized Care: With cervical physiotherapy near you, you can receive personalized care based on your unique needs, preferences, and goals.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cervical pain is a common problem that can negatively impact your quality of life. However, with the help of physiotherapy, you can alleviate cervical pain, enhance your functional abilities, and promote your overall health and wellness. Whether you’re experiencing acute or chronic cervical pain, seeking cervical physiotherapy near you can be a game-changer. Contact your local physiotherapist today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a pain-free, active, and fulfilling life.
Looking for Back Pain Treatment near you?
If you suffer from Cervical pain, our experienced team at Allied Physiotherapy Health Group can help. We specialize in treating Cervical pain and provide customized treatment plan designed specifically for you. Book at any of our location nearby you.
FAQs
- How long will it take to resolve Cervical pain?
Physiotherapy for cervical pain has been shown to be an effective treatment option for many patients. With the help of a skilled physiotherapist, patients can get relief from their pain. And improve their range of motion, and get back to their daily activities. Although the length of time needed to resolve cervical pain can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Many patients see significant improvement within a few weeks of starting physiotherapy.
- What kind of pillow should I use for Cervical Pain?
If you are experiencing cervical pain and are seeking relief, a significant part of your physiotherapy management should involve choosing the right pillow. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to select one that best suits your needs. The right pillow for cervical pain should have adequate support for your neck, enabling proper alignment of your spine to reduce pressure and strain. However, it is vital to consult with your physiotherapist or healthcare provider before finalizing on a pillow, as they can provide personalized recommendations. By choosing the right pillow and following your physiotherapy routine, you can work towards relieving your cervical pain and improving your sleep quality.
- What exercises or activities should I avoid if I have Cervical pain?
Suffering from cervical pain can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience. However, there are many physiotherapy exercises and activities that can help alleviate the symptoms and provide relief. But it’s also important to know what exercises or activities to avoid. High-impact exercises, such as running and jumping, can put unnecessary stress on the neck and should be avoided. Overhead activities can also cause additional pressure on the neck, leading to increased pain. Be sure to discuss with your physiotherapist which exercises are best suited for your specific condition and always listen to your body to avoid exacerbating cervical pain.
About Howard Morris Reg. P.T
Howard Morris is a registered physiotherapist with the Allied Physiotherapy Health Group. He treats patients with various musculoskeletal conditions using patient education, progressive exercise therapy, manual therapy, muscle trigger point release and muscle energy techniques to restore full function. His treatment philosophy involves providing his patients with the know-how to self-manage their injuries. He aims to provide his patients with quality treatment and care that exceeds expectations.