Physical therapy for neck pain and headaches is one of the effective and non-hazardous methods of managing moderate to severe issues involving joints, muscles, and ligaments.
Neck pain is a very common problem that can affect anyone at any age, but the majority of neck pain cases are minor and go away with rest, sleep, and painkillers.
But occasionally, it is a sign of a more serious problem or an organic pathology that needs serious treatment.
Adult professionals commonly experience neck pain after using computers and other devices for extended periods of time without properly supporting the back musculature.
Most young adults experience neck pain after a muscle pull during physical activity; however, cervical disc herniation as a result of degenerative bone disorders or inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis is the most common cause of neck pain in the elderly (especially postmenopausal women). It is also very common in people who have a history of osteoporosis or endocrinological disorders.
In most cases, cervical disc herniation causes pain, but in severe cases, it also affects the nerves exiting through the negatively affected cervical vertebrae, causing nerve impingement or entrapment at the level of tiny foramina.
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Long-term symptoms include numbness and parenthesis of the upper limbs, as well as restriction of neck motion.
Pain in the neck nyt can be a symptom of a simple muscle pull caused by sleeping on the wrong pillow or supporting the neck on a hard surface such as the floor, a couch, or while flying.
However, it may occur as part of a degenerative bone disease such as osteoporosis or cervical disc herniation in some cases.
Cervical vertebrae are separated by a thin layer of cartilage that allows for gliding movement; however, due to aging, menopause, or spinal degenerative disease, this cartilaginous disc undergoes wear and tear changes that can lead to spinal disc herniation, which causes pain in 80% of cases.
If your pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms indicating a more
organic pathology, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If your neck pain is chronic (lasting more than 2-4 weeks) and does not improve with simple changes, if your neck pain is worsening, if your neck pain is associated with numbness, weakness of upper or lower limbs, if you experience a fall, loss of consciousness, paralysis, or limitation of neck movement, you should see a healthcare provider.
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In most cases of long-term moderate to severe neck pain, the ideal therapy recommended is maintaining optimal neck support with the help of a cervical collar that aids in neck muscle stabilization.
People who suffer from muscle sprains as a result of poor sleeping habits should use cervical neck support pillows.
Physical therapy for neck pain and headaches is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment option that is effective for all types of neck pain, whether acute or chronic.
The goal of physical therapy is to help with pain symptoms and to keep nervous complications from occurring.
Physiotherapists also collaborate with patients to improve their neck posture. The long-term effectiveness of these exercises is demonstrated by the strengthening of neck muscles, the support of damaged intervertebral discs, and the relief of pressure from entrapped nerves.
Physical therapy exercises, primarily cervical traction, aim to relieve pressure from the cervical vertebrae, thereby relieving pressure on nerves.
Depending on the
symptoms, cervical traction exercises can be done on a regular or intermittent
basis.
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In moderately severe cases, special devices such as pulleys are used to
stabilize and pull neck muscles.
Deep tissue massage, which helps to reduce the intensity of pain by improving blood circulation through tense and tender muscles, is another mode of therapy commonly used by physiotherapists and chiropractors.
Massage also aids in the release of toxins from the tissue, which aids in the elimination of the source of inflammation in tissues.
If you have chronic neck pain that is interfering with your work performance or your lifestyle in general, consult your healthcare provider to see if physiotherapy can help.
Physical Therapy Headache
There are a variety of reasons why you may experience frequent headaches. Many of these causes can be addressed through physical therapy, reducing the frequency and severity of your headaches.
In reality, headaches fall into a number of different categories, and each of these categories has a number of potential causes.
Tension headaches are the type of headache that physical therapists have the most success treating.
In order to ascertain which category your headaches fall under; they will be evaluated during your initial appointment.
Although jaw or neck issues can occasionally be the cause of tension headaches, stress, exhaustion, and poor posture are the main causes of tension headaches.
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A series of questions will be asked by your physical therapist to help you determine what type of headache you have.
One of those questions is simply, “Where does it hurt?” A tension headache usually starts at the back of your head and spreads to the top. It is also felt in the eyes.
Specific positions, such as sitting at a desk, can aggravate these types of headaches, and rest usually alleviates their severity.
Of course, your therapist will inquire as to whether you have suffered any injuries to your jaw, neck, or head.
One of your therapist’s goals in treating your headaches will be to improve your neck mobility.
This is accomplished through the use of manual therapy, which involves stretching the muscles at the back of your neck.
Another goal for your therapist will be to increase your overall strength. This will help to further stabilize your upper back and neck, improving your posture.
You will be able to stand or sit for longer periods of time without experiencing any additional pain as a result of your improved posture.
Another goal will be to assist you in modifying your work environment. Some of this is already possible. If you aren’t already, using a headset instead of a regular phone is a great place to start.
Furthermore, the level of your computer screen should not be lower than the level of your eyes. You can do so right now.
All of these suggestions will help you improve your posture, which, as previously stated, is a critical component of learning to manage your headaches.
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If you or a loved one is suffering from neck pain and headaches, make an appointment with a physical therapist for your neck pain and headaches.
A Word From GetMe Treated
Any of these physical therapy for neck pain and headaches options can help, but make sure you consult with an expert first before proceeding.