Neck pain may be a symptom of many causes which may include overuse, strenuous activity, or improper lifting, trauma, injury, degenerative disease, poor muscle tone, muscle tension or spasm/strain, or joint problems such as arthritis.
One of the most common causes of neck pain, and headaches, is poor posture. It’s easy to get into bad posture habits without realizing it. Even an activity as “innocent” as reading in bed can ultimately lead to pain, headaches and more serious problems due to poor positioning of body. Keeping your neck in a “neutral” position, whenever possible, is very important. If you must sit for an extended period, make sure that your head is in a neutral position, your low back is supported, your knees are slightly lower than hips, and rest your arms if possible.
Headaches can range from minor, nagging pain to migraines. Any headache, whether tremendous pain or not, should be a warning sign. Prolonged stress can result in muscle tension changes, making you feel stiff, achy and painful in the neck or shoulders. One may feel pain in the shoulders, neck, upper back and even radiating out to the upper arms.
Some ways to daily relieve tensions through movement, physical therapy and physical activity which can help you remain pain free include: stretching and daily aerobic exercise such as walking and postural exercises. Simple postural exercises include scapular retractions (stand tall and pull shoulder blades back and down) and chin tucks (move your chin toward your chest, lifting the top of your head upward to feel a stretch from the base of neck to skull).
Physical therapy helps evaluate and treat the root cause of your neck pain. Muscular tightness may lead to poor joint movement and weakness. Physical therapists are trained in specialized hands-on treatments to quickly reduce your pain. We will also train you in exercises and self-help techniques to prevent the physical changes from prolonged stress.
The physical therapists at Campbell Therapy Center would love to assist you with any pain you are having that may be interfering with your daily life. We specialize in treatment of adults and pediatrics. We also offer occupational therapy and speech therapy for pediatric clients.