How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain is often treated with physical therapy. In order to begin a strengthening and stretching exercise programme for the neck, most physical therapy programmes for neck discomfort entail administering therapies to alleviate pain and/or stiffness. Physical therapy can involve a wide range of approaches and activities, and its duration can also vary from patient to patient.
Therapeutic Objectives in Neck Pain Physiotherapy
The following are some of the aims of physical therapy for neck pain:
Efforts to Lessen Aches and Pains
Increase mobility in the head, neck, and shoulders
Build up your neck’s supporting muscles and do some dynamic strengthening work on your neck.
Figure out ways to avoid experiencing pain again.
Even if the pain is not totally gone, physical therapy can help with the neck’s posture and function for daily activities.
When to Consider Physical Therapy
Many conditions call for neck physical treatment, including:
- Pain that cannot be identified
It might be challenging to determine the root cause of persistent or recurrent neck pain. Strengthening the muscles in the neck can assist the cervical spine be properly supported and may make discomfort less of an issue, even in the absence of a diagnosis.
- Healing from a wound
Injuries like whiplash can cause lasting pain and stiffness in the neck by damaging the soft tissues and joints there. A pain-free and fully functional neck is within reach with the help of a physical therapy regimen.
Healing after surgery
After undergoing neck surgery, some patients have substantial discomfort and stiffness for weeks or months. Certain movements of the neck and upper back muscles may be affected by procedures such as anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF), which involves the fusing of 2 or more cervical vertebrae. As the muscles are reconditioned, physical therapy can help with the stiffness, increase neck function, and decrease or prevent uncomfortable spasms.
In other situations, such as when an illness or chronic condition is part of a larger treatment plan, physical therapy for the neck may be prescribed.
Modalities of Care in Physical Therapy
Two main types of physical therapy are:
- Active physical treatment
Treatments in passive physical therapy are applied to the patient without any participation from the patient themselves. Ice packs, heat packs, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and other treatments are among the many options. The purpose of passive physical therapy is to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.
- Therapeutic movement exercises
Therapeutic interventions in which the patient actively participates by performing exercises and stretches. The cervical spine can be relieved of some of the pressure it normally bears if the muscles in the neck are made stronger and more flexible.
While passive therapies may be used initially in physical therapy for neck discomfort, more and more aggressive treatments will be introduced over time.
Physiotherapy exercises you can do at home
Physiotherapy is often regarded as one of the most effective treatments for persistent neck pain. Better symptom management and enhanced range of motion and muscle strength in the neck are two potential benefits. Here are some easy physiotherapy exercises that you may do in the comfort of your own home to aid in the speedy recovery of your muscles.
1. Turn your neck
Turn your head to one side and hold the position for around seven to ten seconds.
Make sure your jaw is at a consistent height.
Hold this position for 5-7 seconds while gently turning your head to the opposite side.
Do the routine five times through.
2. Neck tilt
It’s one of the simplest ways to strengthen your neck and shoulders. Just bring your chin down towards your chest by bending your neck forward.
Keep that position for at least five seconds. Get back to square one.
Do the routine five times through.
3. Side tilt
Keep your head cocked to one side (towards your shoulders) for 5 whole seconds.
Bring your mind back to centre.
Turn your head to the opposite side and maintain that position for 5 seconds.
At a minimum, you should perform this exercise 5 times on each side.
4. Shoulder extension
Maintain an upright position with correct posture. Bring your shoulders down and back and thrust your head forward. Stretch your neck muscles by holding this position for 5 seconds. Relax and get back to where you were.
Do the routine five times through.
