Neck pain can be the result of various causes, including poor posture, muscle strain, injury, arthritis, repeated motion, and other underlying health conditions. Your neck is an incredibly sensitive and complex part of your body, and because of this, neck pain can be debilitating. Neck pain can be chronic or acute, sharp or dull, but whatever the type and cause, all neck pain shares one clear detail in common: it needs to be addressed quickly.
If you don't see improvement in your pain after bettering your posture, gentle stretching/massaging, and alternating heat/ice, then physical therapy may be right for you. Targeted exercises that improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion are effective at treating neck pain. Typically, physical therapy for neck pain will incorporate manual therapy, which includes movement and trigger point therapy to alleviate tension in the neck, as well as targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. In addition, your physical therapist will review imaging results from your primary physician to pick correct interventions for your therapy. Physical therapists will commonly make ergonomic recommendations that can help you reduce neck pain by providing your neck with more targeted support when you drive, sit at your desk, and even when you sleep.
