Head and Neck Pain
Ready to get rid of the pain in your neck?
Relieve Your Neck Pain with Physical Therapy
Neck pain can make everyday movements—from sitting at your desk to tying your shoes—uncomfortable. Cutting Edge Physical Therapy provides individualized care to help you move more comfortably and get back to normal function.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, approximately one-third of the population experiences neck pain in any given year. It can worsen when left untreated and, in severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Your neck is integral to everyday movement. Sharp pain may make it difficult to sit upright at work, look down, turn your head, or sleep comfortably. Physical therapy can help you return to normal, pain-free function.
At Cutting Edge Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to providing the individualized care you need to pursue long-lasting relief.
What Can Neck Pain Feel Like?
Neck pain commonly runs from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulder blades and settles in the back of the neck. It may range from a constant dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain.
- Headaches
- Difficulty fully standing or sitting upright
- Upper-body stiffness and muscle tightness
- Loss of sleep due to pain or discomfort
- Pain from staying in one position too long
- Numbness or tingling into the upper extremities
- Arm weakness
Start With an Individualized Evaluation
Our physical therapists begin by analyzing your neck range of motion and the limitations caused by your pain. This evaluation helps determine the make-up of your treatment plan.
You will work with your therapist to understand the goals and expectations of each step, with the focus on overcoming neck pain and recovering as quickly as possible.
All treatments are conducted in private rooms, with high-quality hands-on care and efficient, personalized attention.
Common Conditions Leading to Neck Pain
Neck pain is most often caused by injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck, though certain degenerative conditions may also contribute.
Muscle Strains
Neck muscles may be strained by overuse. Even sitting at a desk all day with your neck craned toward a computer screen can contribute to a muscle strain.
Injuries & Whiplash
Whiplash is a common cause of neck pain following an automobile collision or high-impact sports collision. Rapid back-and-forth head movement can affect the soft tissues at the back of the neck.
Nerve Compression
A herniated disc or narrowing where nerves exit the spine can compress nerves branching from the spinal cord. Pain may extend from the neck into the hands and fingers, known as radiculopathy.
Joint Degeneration
Like other joints in the body, neck joints can erode with age. Osteoarthritis may reduce cartilage between neck vertebrae and contribute to pain.
Illnesses
Certain diseases and ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer, can result in neck pain. Your healthcare team can help determine the source of your symptoms.
What Do Neck Pain Treatments Look Like?
Physical therapy is one of the best methods for treating neck pain. Your care will most likely include manual, or hands-on, therapy techniques designed to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion.
Your physical therapist will also provide targeted exercises to strengthen and improve the muscles and tissues in your neck. We focus on posture to support recovery and help avoid re-injury in the future. Depending on your needs, care may also include ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
Hands-On Care
Specialized manual techniques can help reduce neck stiffness and improve comfortable movement.
Soft Tissue Care
Hands-on approaches may be used to address muscle tightness and restrictions affecting neck movement.
Posture & Prevention
We address posture and movement habits to support recovery and help reduce the likelihood of future irritation.
Begin Your Treatment Today
Don’t let daily discomfort be a pain in the neck any longer. Cutting Edge Physical Therapy in Murray is ready to help you start the road toward long-lasting relief.