Chronic neck pain can be one of the most common and discomforting types of pain that adults have. It may be induced due to posture, impact or prior injury. For sufferers of neck pain, intense discomfort and even headaches may be experienced. In which case, they often seek treatment to help alleviate the pain, reduce stiffness and restore functionality to their neck.
The most widely recognized treatment for neck pain is physiotherapy. In this article we explore how physiotherapy treats neck pain and whether you should visit a physiotherapist for any potential neck pain or stiffness.
Goals of Physical Therapy
Physiotherapy has 4 primary aims when dealing with neck pain, these are:
- Reducing your neck’s pain and stiffness
- Improving your neck’s range of motion
- Developing dynamic strength for your neck and its supporting musculature
- Helping you to prevent the relapse or reemerging of the pain
While the effects of physiotherapy may not be evident immediate, its impact can be realized in the long run. This includes both alleviating neck pain and preventing a relapse later.
When Should You get Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for neck pain is recommended under three circumstances.
Firstly, if you have an unspecified chronic neck pain. When your neck pain lingers or reoccurs on a daily basis, then the exact source or cause of the pain may be difficult to identify. As such, you would require a professional diagnosis of your condition while also getting help to strengthen the cervical spine.
Secondly, if you are recovering from an injury or impact such as whiplash. When your neck has had a big force exerted onto it, the soft tissues and joints may be damaged. In such a case, pain and stiffness can emerge from your neck. Getting physical therapy can help to reduce pain and return your neck to full functionality.
Thirdly, when recovering from surgery, especially on your neck, you can expect significant pain and stiffness for a long time. During which, physical therapy can help you work through the stiffness, improve its function and reduce the number of painful spasms that occur.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Neck Pain
Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain is performed in two forms.
Passive physiotherapy does not require any effort from you. Common passive treatments include:
- Application of ice packs
- Heat therapy
- Sports massages
- Ultrasound treatment
- Electrotherapy
These array of treatments aim to reduce pain and swelling, and thus primarily help to alleviate immediate discomfort.
Active physiotherapy on the other hand requires you to exert effort to move your neck through exercises or stretches. By exercising, your neck’s muscles’ strength and flexibility can be improved. This helps you to reduce stress on the cervical spine and lower the amount of pain experienced. Crucially, this also helps to reestablish the functionality of your neck.
Typically, therapy begins with passive treatment, with active treatment increasingly incorporated along the way.
Find out more about Physiotherapy
In need of help with your neck pain? Talk to physiotherapy Singapore specialists today to discover the type of treatments that are suitable for you.
My Medical Health Blog 