What are the causes of neck pain?
Degeneration is a common cause of neck pain. The joints in your neck, called the cervical vertebrae, gradually wear down as you age, causing osteoarthritis.
Other common reasons are poor head & neck posture, habitual slouching, motor vehicle accident, work related injury, poor spinal alignment, prolonged maintenance of sitting posture such as computer professionals and /or cab drivers, sports injuries, and certain chronic medical conditions leading to early degenerative changes in the neck spine.
The most common reasons people seek treatment for neck pain and headaches include:
- Chronic migraines and tension headaches
- Loss of full neck functionality, including becoming unable to turn one’s head completely
- Soreness in the neck, shoulder and upper-back
- Stabbing pains, especially in the neck
- Pain radiating from the neck and shoulders to the fingertips
Is there a connection between neck pain and headache/migraines?
Neck pain and migraines have a complicated relationship. While in some cases a severe injury to the neck can lead to severe headaches, in other situations neck pain could be the result of a severe migraine. Either way, it is never a good idea to assume that one is the result of the other. Seeking treatment for neck pain when the cause of your concern is actually a migraine will not lead to successful pain management. The best thing that you can do when experiencing neck pain and headaches is to consult with a physical therapist to determine the cause of your pain, and to address the issue from there. In addition to these physically painful symptoms, many who struggle from chronic headaches will develop additional symptoms, such as nausea, impeded vision, difficulty concentrating, severe fatigue, and even difficulty sleeping.
What are the consequences of not getting help?
Patients who seek treatment from their neck pain are often surprised to learn that some other problems they’ve been experiencing might be related. So even if you think you can “live with” not being able to turn your neck fully, other problems can accumulate. For example, if you have chronic migraines or frequent bouts of tension headaches, a pinched nerve in your neck may actually be the culprit, rather than your diet or your busy schedule. In addition, you may find that the problems you’ve been having with shoulder mobility or numbness and shooting pain down your arm, might actually spring from your spinal issues.
How can neck pain and headaches be treated?
Our patients are often referred to us by their primary physicians or by a specialist, and we’ll continue to work with your medical team to treat the specific cause of your pain. Our highly trained physical therapists will also give you a full evaluation, including a spinal alignment assessment, simple tests to evaluate muscle strength in the areas that support your back or neck, and range-of-motion evaluations.Once we’ve pinpointed the main cause of your neck pain and stiffness, as well as headaches that we’ve determined stem from upper vertebrae issues, Our physical therapists will develop a treatment plan with you. In your sessions, you’ll be taken through moves that build strength and flexibility. Our team of expert physical therapists will also help you learn how to better position yourself during your daily life to avoid relapses, including ergonomic and posture tips.
When should I seek treatment for my neck pain?
When you have neck pain or headache which is not subsiding with household measures and rest, call the friendly experts at Dynamic Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online.
Did you know?
Our online appointment system makes sure you don’t have to wait before your appointment. Our Patient Center has all the resources such as forms and more!