One of the most common treatments for chronic neck pain is physical therapy. The majority of physical therapy regimens for neck pain entail using treatments to reduce pain and/or stiffness sufficiently to begin an exercise program of neck strengthening and flexibility. Physical therapy methods and exercises, as well as the duration of the treatment plan, can differ from person to person.
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| Neck Pain Relieving Physical Therapy |
Physical Therapy Goals for Neck Pain
The following are typical goals of physical therapy for neck pain:
- Pain and stiffness are reduced.
- Increase the range of motion in your head and neck.
- Improve the dynamic strength of the neck and its supporting musculature.
- Create techniques to keep pain from repeating.
Even if pain cannot be totally eradicated, physical therapy can help improve neck posture and function for daily activities.
When Physical Therapy May Be Necessary
Physical treatment for the neck may be recommended in a variety of situations, including:
- Chronic pain of unknown origin. When neck pain persists or recurs, determining the exact source or mechanism of pain can be challenging. Even without a diagnosis, strengthening the neck muscles may allow them to better support the cervical spine and become more pain resistant.
- I'm recovering from an injury. Some traumas, such as whiplash, can cause soft tissue and joint damage in the neck, resulting in discomfort and/or stiffness that can continue for weeks or months. A physical therapy program can help relieve pain and restore normal function to the neck.
- I'm still recovering from surgery. Some neck procedures can cause considerable pain and stiffness in the weeks and months that follow. An anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) operation, for example, involves the fusion of two or more vertebrae in the neck, which can change the movement of several neck and upper back muscles. As the muscles are reconditioned, physical therapy may assist to work through stiffness, increase neck function, and lessen or prevent uncomfortable spasms.
Physical therapy for the neck may also be advised in other circumstances, such as as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for other disorders or chronic conditions.
When to Avoid Neck Pain Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may not help relieve neck pain in some circumstances and may potentially worsen the situation. Physical therapy is normally not advised for chronic neck discomfort if any of the following conditions exist:
- There is significant spinal instability. When a vertebral bone is shattered or spinal degeneration produces compression of the spinal cord or a nerve root, the cervical spine may not be stable enough for exercise. Before beginning physical therapy, the spine must be stabilized to prevent further injury.
- A serious underlying medical problem exists. If the reason of the neck pain is an infection or a tumor, the underlying cause must be addressed first. For example, if a cancerous tumor is causing neck pain, completing exercises will not diminish the tumor size, and the problem may worsen.
Other reasons for not recommending physical therapy may exist, such as the patient's body's inability to accept the treatment.
Methods of Physical Therapy Treatment
There are two types of physical therapy:
- Passive physical therapy entails administering treatments without requiring the patient to exert any effort. There are numerous treatment options available, including cold packs, heat therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and others. The purpose of passive physical therapy is to assist in the reduction of pain and edema.
- Active physical therapy entails the patient moving his or her own body to perform exercises and stretches. By increasing neck muscle strength and flexibility, these muscles may become less uncomfortable and better able to maintain appropriate posture, reducing stress on the cervical spine.
The initial phase of physical therapy for neck pain may include more passive therapies, but as time goes on, more and more aggressive treatments are likely to be integrated.
Physical Therapy's Efficacy
Many research have been conducted to determine whether or not physical therapy can assist alleviate discomfort in the spine, such as the lower back or neck.
1 The current medical research reveals that there is moderate to good evidence that physical therapy can help reduce neck pain and improve range of motion. 2-5 Some studies have indicated that when paired with other treatment modalities, such as aerobic activity, physical therapy provides even greater advantages.
One of the difficulties in gathering accurate data about physical therapy's success or lack thereof is that it is difficult to measure how well a person adheres to the prescribed routine. For example, a person may perform exercises with bad form or not as frequently as suggested, which can lower the likelihood that the treatment will be effective.
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