Physical Therapy, the natural treatment for neck pain
Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms and How To Treat
Neck pain is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives. Those who struggle with neck pain understand how difficult it can be to go about your daily routine. Some people may be seeking effective treatments for acute neck pain, while others may be looking for relief from chronic cervicalgia. Physical therapy is a great way to reduce neck pain and improve mobility naturally if you are one of the many individuals who struggle with neck pain.
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back or pinching of the nerves. Joint disruption in the neck and upper back creates pain, stiffness, tension, and discomfort. Many things contribute to the development of neck pain or cervicalgia, some of which include:
- Spinal problems
- Car accidents
- Whiplash
- Neck trauma
- Poor posture
- Muscle tightness
- Joint disruption
- Nerve damage
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs
- Stress
The lower neck and upper back support the head and allow the head to move and change positions. If this support system is affected adversely, then the muscles in the area will tighten, leading to neck pain. For example, without proper posture, the head is not adequately supported. As a result, people with poor posture struggle with neck stiffness, muscle spasms, and neck pain. Think about how many people sit hunched over a computer all day, tense from stress—no wonder many of us suffer from neck pain.
Natural Neck Pain Treatments
Many people will turn to anti-inflammatory and pain medications for neck pain relief. Unfortunately, although these medications can provide immediate relief, they do not address the problem’s root. In other words, it is applying a bandaid to a wound that requires stitches. On the other hand, physical therapy is effective at targeting neck pain at the source. Some physical therapy exercises for cervicalgia include:
- Cervical manipulation
- Strength training
- Stretching exercises
- Physical therapy massage
- Hands-on therapy
- Electric stimulation
- Posture correction
Speak to your doctor about starting physical therapy if your neck pain is worsening and you begin to develop headaches, nausea, decreased mobility, or muscle spasms. Becoming better educated on the symptoms and causes of neck pain is the first step to recovery.