4 Commonly asked questions about neck pain

1. What Causes Neck Pain?
Neck pain comes from a variety of things from poor posture to trauma. In most cases, people experience neck pain without a specific reason. However, common causes include abnormalities in spinal bones and joints, whiplash, or ‘wear and tear’ from age.

2. Can Technology Cause Neck Pain?
Yes! Whether you are watching TV, using a computer, or playing on a cell phone, technology can lead to neck pain.

3. Does Whiplash Cause Neck Pain?
Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly moves forward or backward in a jerking motion. The unexpected movement creates a strain on the muscles and tendons. Whiplash is a common injury from car accidents or contact sports and can cause pain, tenderness, or headaches that start at the base of the skull and travel to the top of the head. In addition to neck pain, you might also experience tightness in the neck that restricts movement.

4. How Does a physical therapist Treat Neck Pain?
Physical therapist will determine the best way to perform spinal stretching and therapeutic exercises based on the severity and location of your pain. You may have to visit the physical therapist several times to reduce pain and regain function

3 Ways Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Can Help

1. Improve Range of Motion
Physical therapy is essential in helping you improve your range of motion. Range of motion is improved when both strength and flexibility are increased. A physical therapist will guide you in a series of stretches and exercises to achieve this.

2. Strengthen/posture
Physical Therapy can help to improve your posture. This can either eliminate or greatly relieve neck pain. Your PT can help you retrain the muscles in your chest and the front and back of your neck, so they’re able to provide the strength and stability necessary to maintain good posture.

3. Education
It’s one thing to practice good posture during your physical therapy sessions, but what about when you get home? Are you slouching on the couch as you binge a show on Disney plus? Are you hunched over at the dinner table? Maybe you’re sleeping in a position that’s wreaking havoc on your neck and back. You may not realize it, but the things you do every day may contribute to your neck pain. Physical therapy will help teach you to be aware of your posture throughout the day.