Physical Therapy For Neck Pain

Physical therapy designed for pain relief involves passive and active techniques. Passive techniques include warm and/or cold compresses and therapeutic massage. Active techniques on the other hand, involve physical exertion in the form of exercises to alleviate pain. Most pain symptoms associated with musculoskeletal conditions can be managed with physical therapy.

Neck pain occurs in many individuals, and may be a common everyday experience for some. But if you're one of these people, you need not despair as most of its symptoms can be prevented, minimized or even eliminated altogether through appropriate physical therapy. This therapy includes proper stretching and strengthening exercises for your neck muscles as well as proper alignment of your cervical spine.

The cervical spine is curved like a "C" with opening in the back.

Neck pain may be due to several factors such as:

* Muscular: the muscles in and around your neck may experience tautness or spasm

* Facet joints: there are two facet joints in each vertebral pair making inter-vertebral motion possible. When these joints rub or grind on each other, pain may arise. Osteophytes can also form within these facets and encroach on the nerve aggravating the pain.

* Inter-vertebral disk: Disks made of fibrocartilage are found between the vertebrae. They act to absorb the impact of walking, running, turning, jumping, and twisting. Sometimes these disks herniate or protrude out of their normal space, applying pressure on the nerves and spinal cord thereby causing pain.

* Ligaments: Ligaments are tough connective tissues that connect bones or cartilages at a joint or support an organ. Excessive acceleration and sudden deceleration of the neck can cause a whiplash injury, which injures the neck ligaments leading to pain. Other sources of whiplash injury include a strain or sprain of the muscles that surround and support the cervical spine.

* Posture: Improper posture can apply excessive pressure on the muscles, ligaments, facets, and disks in your neck area. This unnecessary strain can also result in neck pain.

Passive physical therapy to relieve neck pain includes:

* Applying heat packs to the affected area. You may also take a hot shower and let the water run on your neck, but stop as soon as your skin is turning red.

* Rest accordingly and limit movements that tend to aggravate the pain.

* Use an orthopedic pillow if you prefer to sleep with more than one pillow. Too many pillows can cause undue strain on your neck and its underlying tissues leading to pain. An orthopedic pillow helps to keep the curve in your cervical spine in its normal shape, thereby relieving pressure and pain.

Active physical therapy for neck pain involves the following exercises:

Stretching

* Bend your neck to the side and apply a little pressure with your hand to further bring your neck down till you feel a pleasant stretch and hold for about 6 seconds. Repeat three times then do it on the other side

* Bring your head to a forward hanging position letting your chin touch your chest. To further bring it down, you may lace your fingers behind your neck and put a little pressure. Then stop when you experience a nice stretch and hold for 6 seconds. Repeat this stretching exercise three times.

* With relaxed shoulders, turn your head to one side like you're looking over your shoulder. Again do this till you feel a good stretch and then hold for 6 seconds. Repeat three times then do the same exercise on the other side.

Strengthening

* Place your hand on the side of your head. Then press your head against your hand, as if trying to bend it to the side, but prevent the motion with your hand. Let the pressure stand for about 10 seconds. Perform this three times and do the same with the other side.

These exercises may relieve your neck pain. However should you experience other symptoms like numbness in your chest, shoulder, or arm, never try any of the exercises or therapeutic techniques above. But consult your doctor immediately for a proper evaluation and diagnosis as you may be suffering from other underlying medical condition which needs appropriate professional therapy.