Neck pain is a serious problem that can affect the range motion (ROM) of your neck. It can also induce pain to your shoulders, down to your arms and sometimes, hand. Performing simple tasks may become too difficult for you.
While there are many reasons behind neck pain, from which poor posture is first, physical therapy can help you improve your overall mobility. Here, your physical therapy program will play a vital role in decreasing your neck pain symptoms and return you to your previous function.
Directions
- First and most importantly: Do not panic when you develop neck pain. It is naturally scary when you feel sharp, stabbing pain as you move your head and neck. These pains can be relieved within a few days. However, there are rare occasions when you acquire the pain due to tumor or virus. Usually your neck pain is caused by problem with the discs, muscles or joints in your neck. This kind of pain can be easily remedied by physical therapy. If after a few days, despite having physical therapy sessions and you still have the pain, pay your doctor a visit for a check-up.
- Start with various gentle motion exercises. When the pain strikes, take several moments before performing gentle ROM exercises. A gentle rotation can help decrease your pain and mind also the location from where you feel the pain during the exercise. When the pain comes from the side of your neck going to the center, it is a good sign. You can do the gentle rotation exercise while sitting while nec retraction can be done while lying down with one pillow under your head. You can gently push the back of your head into your pillow and—again—monitor the symptoms during the exercise.
- Observe excellent standing and sitting posture. When you have the neck pain, check your posture and resort into the proper position. You can make use of the lumbar roll while sitting so your head stays upright and just over your shoulders.
- Ask your physical therapist to help you choose a cervical roll. A cervical roll in your pillow can aid you maintain the proper position of your neck even while you are sleeping. Your physical therapist can also teach you how to use the roll properly.
- Ask help from the professionals if the pain lasts for several days. Be as accurate as you can be when describing the pain to your physical therapist so he or she can know the best therapy for you. A cervical traction comes handy to help you decrease your pain, so might as well ask your PT about this tool.