Alleviate Persistent Neck Pain With Physical Therapy
Have you ever had one of those days at work or school when your neck just won’t stop bothering you? Or maybe turning your head to check for cars is difficult or painful. Neck pain can really impact your day and make life less enjoyable.
Good news! At ARC, we’ve got a team that knows just how to help you feel better and give you tips to keep the pain away.
Most of the time, neck pain happens because there’s something wrong with a muscle or joint. Figuring out what the real source is can be difficult, but with the help of our experienced therapists, you can get to the root of your problems and, more importantly, get the solutions you’re looking for.
Our therapists will use treatments like specific stretches, hands-on techniques, and strength exercises that are tailored for immediate and lasting relief. Our ultimate goal? To help you return to a life you can enjoy to the fullest.
Take action today! Request an appointment and set the wheels in motion for the lasting relief you deserve.
Source of Neck Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Neck pain is a multifaceted condition, and its origins can vary widely from person to person. Whether your discomfort starts from an unfortunate car accident or something that seems insignificant, like maintaining an improper posture while working at your desk, our team can help.
What may appear to be a minor issue, such as a recurring crick in your neck, could potentially develop into a chronic issue that disrupts your daily life.
For some individuals, the issue lies deeper within the structure of the spine (for example, changes to the discs and the cushions between vertebrae). Disc degeneration can lead to pain and difficulty moving the neck, whereas problems such as bulging or herniated discs can be particularly painful and can even lead to nerve compression. This often results in additional symptoms such as sharp, radiating pain or numbness extending into the shoulders or arms.
Luckily, our physical therapists are skilled at identifying these contributing factors and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored to alleviate your specific symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Your Pathway to Relief
We’ll start with a comprehensive evaluation, including gathering as much information about your health, previous history of neck pain, and information about your most recent episode.
Next, we’ll conduct a physical examination, including a hands-on assessment of your neck and upper back muscles. We’ll assess your posture and movement patterns to identify any restrictions or limitations contributing to your pain.
Our treatment programs are built on several key elements, all aimed at facilitating the health of your neck:
- Posture Correction: Poor posture is a significant contributor to neck pain. Working with you, our therapists will guide you through the steps to correct your posture, effectively alleviating muscle strain on your neck and shoulders.
- Hands-on Therapy and Custom Exercises: Our expert therapists use specialized manual treatments to free up restrictions and alleviate tension in soft tissues. We’ll also develop personalized exercise routines aimed at targeting the source of your pain to improve mobility and strength.
- Ergonomic Evaluation: Our therapists will provide practical recommendations for your work and home environments that can help minimize any physical strain on your neck and shoulders. We will also introduce you to stress-minimizing methods that can be seamlessly integrated into your work life. As you continue to progress in your recovery, functional training becomes vital. Tasks like lifting, reaching, and carrying are integrated into the rehabilitation program to ensure you regain your ability to perform daily activities without pain or limitation.
We are committed to working closely with you to craft effective, proactive programs to restore mobility and contribute to overall well-being.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Neck?
Don’t let neck pain hold you back any longer. At ARC, our team of experts is here to give you the personalized help you need to feel better and stay that way. Let’s work together to create a plan that fits you perfectly.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our amazing physical therapists and start your journey to a more comfortable, pain-free life!
Sources: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2017.0302, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723111/
Ergonomics for Neck and Back Pain
A few simple strategies can make a big difference in preventing and alleviating neck and back pain. These strategies are part of a field of study known as ergonomics, which seeks to optimize the spaces in which humans live and work for both comfort and productivity.
Here are some PT-approved ergonomic tips for promoting good postural awareness and reducing strain on the muscles that support your spine:
- Adjust Your Workspace: Ensure that your desk, chair, and computer monitor are ergonomically aligned. Your computer screen should be at eye level to avoid straining your neck by looking up or down. Use an adjustable chair with good lumbar support to maintain a neutral spine position.
- Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Never lift a heavy item above your shoulders or twist your upper body. It’s also important to keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your head up and in line with your shoulders and back.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Incorporate regular breaks into your routine to stand up, stretch, and move around. Prolonged sitting can contribute to back pain, so aim to stand or walk for a few minutes every hour to relieve pressure on your spine.
- Maintain Good Posture: Whether sitting, standing, or moving, maintain proper posture by keeping your shoulders relaxed, spine aligned, and feet flat on the floor.
Looking for more ergonomic tips? Schedule an appointment at ARC!
Don’t Let Your 2025 Insurance Benefits Go To Waste!
Take charge of your health today and make the most of your insurance benefits!
If you’ve already met your deductible this year or have funds left in your HSA account, you can take advantage of our remarkable opportunity at ARC Physical Therapy. Don’t let these valuable benefits go unused!
Explore Fitness Options at The
Medical Gym at ARC!
The Medical Gym at ARC offers a variety of workshops, small group training, one-on-one sessions and monthly membership options!
Check out our current schedule with more to come, and lots of fun!
Strength Training for Women
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10 am
In and Out Boot Camp
Wednesdays 10:00-10:30 am
Yoga Flow
Saturdays 9-10 am
For more information, contact Alex Bohnstedt,
exercise physiologist, at 630-323-8646 or by
email at abohnstedt@arc-rehab.com
Exercise of the Month
Resistance Presses
(Shoulders, Chest)
Sit or stand tall with your head in a neutral position. Place one hand on your forehead. Gently press your head forward into your hand while resisting the motion with your hand. Hold briefly, then relax. Repeat with your hand placed on the back and each side of your head to target all directions. 3 Sets, 10 Reps (each direction). (Materials needed: none)
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
