Find Neck Pain Relief with Physical Therapy
Do you find it difficult to sit up straight in your desk chair, tilt your head down to tie your shoes, or even lay your head down on your pillow at night to go to sleep? The neck is an integral part of everyday movements. Let’s get down to the bottom of how to find neck pain relief so you can feel better! Don’t let neck pain limit you from doing the things you normally do with ease in your daily life.
If you are experiencing neck pain, you are not alone. In fact, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately one-third of the population experiences neck pain every year. If left untreated, neck pain can lead to some serious conditions, and surgical correction may even be needed. Fortunately, physical therapy can help treat your pain before it gets to that point.
If you have been living with neck pain, contact Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed physical therapists. We’ll evaluate your condition and relieve your pain, so you can get back to comfortably living your daily life!
What’s causing my pain?
Neck pain is commonly felt from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulder blades, settling in the back of the neck. Neck pain can vary from dull, constant aches, to sharp and stabbing pains. Additional symptoms that can accompany neck pain include:
- Discomfort and pain when remaining in the same position for too long
- Muscle stiffness and tightness in the upper body
- Headaches
- Arm weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Inability to fully stand up or sit up straight
- Loss of sleep due to pain and discomfort
There are several conditions that may lead to neck pain. Damage to the tissues or bone structures in the neck is the leading cause of neck pain. This damage can occur from a sudden injury or develop over time from repetitive overuse. Certain degenerative diseases may also lead to neck pain.
Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:
Muscle strains
Overuse can cause the muscles in the back of your neck to become strained. Even something as simple as sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen can lead to a strain in your neck muscles.
Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting in neck pain. It is called a “strain” injury, due to the rapid back-and-forth motion that the neck experiences. Whiplash occurs in car accidents, rollercoasters, or high-impact sports collisions, and it affects the soft tissues in the back of the neck.
Illnesses
Certain diseases and ailments can result in neck pain. Here are some of the illnesses that link to neck pain: rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, and even cancer.
Nerve compression
If you have a herniated disc in your neck, the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord can become compressed. In some cases, nerve pain can even result in “radiculopathy,” which is a condition where pain extends from the neck all the way down to the hands and fingers.
Joint degeneration
Any joint in your body is susceptible to age-related erosion, and your neck is no exception. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, resulting in moderate to severe pain.
How can my neck pain be treated?
Physical therapy is the safest and most effective method for neck pain relief. At your initial appointment, our dedicated physical therapists will evaluate your neck and note any areas of concern. All of our therapists are equally qualified at our 5 clinic locations in Riverside, Riverside/Corona, Chino, Redlands and Beaumont, CA. Our physical therapists will diagnose your condition and then create a personalized treatment plan for you.
At Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we use some of the following treatments for neck pain.
- Manual therapy, which consists of special techniques designed to reduce the stiffness of your neck and improve its range of motion.
- Targeted stretches and exercises aimed at building, strengthening, and improving the muscles and tissues in your neck.
- Ice therapy
- Heat therapy
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
If your neck pain is limiting your daily life, don’t wait any longer to seek help. Contact our physical therapy office today to schedule your appointment. At Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools you need for neck pain recovery and relief!
FAQ’s
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain can be caused by poor posture, prolonged computer or phone use, muscle strain, whiplash injuries, arthritis, disc issues, nerve compression, or stress related muscle tension. Many people experience neck pain from desk work, driving for long periods, or sleeping in an unsupportive position. Physical therapy for neck pain focuses on identifying the root cause and treating it effectively.
When should I see a physical therapist for neck pain?
You should see a physical therapist if your neck pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities. Symptoms such as stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, numbness, tingling, or limited range of motion are all signs that physical therapy can help. Marketplace Physical Therapy offers neck pain treatment in Riverside, Corona, Beaumont, Redlands, and Chino.
Can physical therapy help chronic neck pain?
Yes, physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic neck pain. Physical therapy helps reduce pain, improve mobility, strengthen the muscles that support the neck, and correct postural imbalances. At Marketplace Physical Therapy, treatment plans are personalized to address long term neck pain and prevent future flare ups.
What does physical therapy for neck pain include?
Physical therapy for neck pain may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, posture correction, stretching, joint mobilization, and education on proper ergonomics. Depending on your condition, advanced treatments such as laser therapy or shockwave therapy may be used to reduce inflammation and speed healing.
How long does it take for physical therapy to relieve neck pain?
Many patients notice improvement within the first few physical therapy sessions. The overall length of care depends on the severity of your neck pain, how long symptoms have been present, and your personal goals. Your physical therapist will continuously assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Can physical therapy help neck pain and headaches?
Yes, neck pain and headaches are often closely connected. Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and some migraines can be caused or aggravated by neck dysfunction. Physical therapy can improve neck mobility, decrease muscle tension, and reduce both headache frequency and intensity.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy for neck pain in California?
In most cases, a referral is not required to begin physical therapy for neck pain in California. Direct access allows patients to be evaluated and treated by a licensed physical therapist without delay. The team at Marketplace Physical Therapy can also help verify insurance coverage.
Is physical therapy better than medication for neck pain?
Physical therapy addresses the underlying cause of neck pain rather than masking symptoms. While medication may provide short term relief, physical therapy focuses on long term recovery through movement, strengthening, and education. Many patients choose physical therapy to avoid ongoing medication use or invasive procedures.
Can physical therapy help posture related neck pain or tech neck?
Yes, physical therapy is highly effective for posture related neck pain, including tech neck. Treatment focuses on correcting forward head posture, strengthening postural muscles, improving flexibility, and educating patients on proper workstation setup and daily habits.
Where can I find physical therapy for neck pain near me?
Marketplace Physical Therapy provides expert neck pain treatment at convenient locations in Riverside, Corona, Beaumont, Redlands, and Chino, California. Our experienced physical therapists deliver one on one care focused on pain relief, improved mobility, and long term results.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!