Neck pain

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Physical Therapy Treatment for Neck Pain Relief

Neck pain is a significant ailment that can make daily chores challenging. It can limit your neck’s range of motion and cause pain in your shoulder, arm, or hand. The bones in your neck protect your spinal cord while allowing regular movement, making it highly flexible for rotation and bending.

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist to reduce neck pain and restore movement. Physical therapy is crucial for a good recovery, whether you undergo cervical spine surgery or not. Our physical therapy clinic in Midtown East & Penn Plaza, NY is dedicated to providing the neck pain relief you need.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck pain can result from various factors and typically runs from the base of your skull to the top of your shoulder blades, settling in the back of the neck. The pain can be mild or severe, ranging from dull aching to acute, stabbing aches. Additional symptoms that might accompany neck discomfort include:

  • Upper-body stiffness and muscular soreness

  • Tingling or numbness in the upper extremities

  • Headaches

  • Weakness in the arms

  • Sleep deprivation due to pain and discomfort

  • Difficulty standing or sitting up straight

What causes neck pain?

Common causes of neck pain include:

  • Overuse of neck muscles can lead to strain. Simple tasks like sitting at a desk all day with your neck craned toward a computer screen can cause neck muscle pain.

  • Herniated discs or a narrowing of the foramen (where nerves exit the spine) can squeeze the nerves branching from your spinal cord. This nerve discomfort, known as radiculopathy, can extend from the neck to the hands and fingers.

  • Neck joints can degenerate with age, much like any other joints in the body. Conditions such as arthritis reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, causing pain.

The good news is that physical therapy at our clinic can help you manage and overcome these conditions. Seeing a physical therapist is the best way to identify the cause and find effective relief.