Neck pain can interfere with daily activities, whether it’s sitting at your desk, tying your shoes, or sleeping comfortably. Fortunately, at Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics, we offer effective treatments for neck pain relief. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), one-third of the population experiences neck pain each year. Left untreated, neck pain can worsen, but with the right treatment plan, medications and invasive surgeries can often be avoided.
Common Symptoms of Neck Pain
Neck pain typically radiates from the base of your skull to your shoulder blades and can vary in intensity from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain. Common symptoms include:
- Stiffness or muscle tightness
- Difficulty moving or standing up straight
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
- Weakness in shoulders or arms
- Trouble sleeping due to discomfort
Why Does Your Neck Hurt?
Several factors can contribute to neck pain. The most common causes include:
- Muscle Strains: Often due to poor posture, like sitting at a desk with your neck turned for long periods.
- Whiplash Injuries: Caused by sudden impact, like car accidents or sports injuries.
- Compressed Nerves: Herniated discs or narrowed spaces (foramen) in the neck can pinch nerves, leading to radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating down the arms).
- Degenerative Joint Disease: Conditions like osteoarthritis can wear down cartilage and cause pain as we age.
- Medical Conditions: Illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, and spinal stenosis can also lead to chronic neck pain.
If you’re unsure of the cause of your neck pain, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers for an accurate diagnosis.
How Treatment Can Help Your Neck Pain
At Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics, we take a comprehensive approach to neck pain relief. Our physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and stretch therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your neck’s range of motion, strength, and areas of discomfort. Based on this assessment, we’ll develop a customized neck therapy treatment plan that may include:
- Targeted Exercises: Strengthening and stretching to support the neck muscles and increase flexibility. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) have PT solutions to help with pain relief and pain management!
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve pain.
- Posture Correction: Education on proper posture to prevent future neck strain and injury.
- Non-Invasive Therapies: Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, massage (specifically active release technique massage), and assisted stretching to relieve muscle tension and improve spinal alignment.
Get Neck Pain Relief Today
Don’t let neck pain control your life. Whether you need physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, or assisted stretching, our experts at Midland Sports Rehab and Active Orthopedics are ready to help. Call us at (989) 341-1070 or fill out the form here to schedule your appointment at our Midland location and start your journey to pain-free living.