The Role of Physiotherapy in Treating Neck Pain: Insights and Strategies

Neck pain is so widespread that quality of life and daily living are affected, numbering into the millions worldwide. Let’s take James, a 26-year-old software developer who does an almost heroic task every day, staying seated for hours at a stretch. Chronic neck pain developed over time and has started creating an impact, inducing problems related to sleepless nights and well-being, all due to this painful condition. He had made several trials of treatment, to no avail, before opting for physiotherapy and finally got some relief from the pain. He was able to get over the immobility with the help of physiotherapy. 

We’ll answer some frequently asked questions about neck pain. 

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is discomfort in any of the structures in the neck. These include the muscles, nerves, bones (vertebrae), joints, and the discs between the bones.  The pain can be an ache or sharp and shooting. The experienced pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, and head. Pain can be either sudden and acute lasting for days or weeks, or a long-term phenomenon that goes on for months or longer. 

The journal ‘Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy’ has revealed that almost 70% of the human population experiences neck pain at one time or another in their lifetime, with a good proportion of such cases being related to poor posture and repetitive strain. 

Neck Pain Causes

Causes of neck pain usually tend to differ and could be due to several reasons: 

• Poor postural mechanics, due to long working hours in front of a computer and talking on the phone, bring excessive load to the neck muscles, subsequently causing pain. 
• Injury to the neck may be caused by accidents, falls, and some sports injuries, including whiplash, which can cause pain. 
• Degenerative diseases, meaning osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, are what causes neck pain to be persistent. 
• Stress can cause your neck muscles to tighten up, leading to a feeling of stiffness or pain.
• Sleeping in awkward positions or using unsupportive pillows can result in neck pain. 

Neck Pain Exercises

Here are some exercises that can help with neck pain: 

• Neck Stretch: Sit or stand and gently one ear toward one shoulder then hold and hold it for 15-30 seconds then repeat to the other side. 
• Chin Tuck: Lean slightly backward with your head, lift your chin towards your chest, then stretch the back of your neck. Hold for 5 seconds and it should be repeated 10 times. 
• Shoulder Shrugs: Pull your shoulders towards your ears. Hold a few seconds, and then release. Repeat about 10 times to release tension in the shoulders and neck.
• Head Rotations: Rotate the head as far to the right, then to the left as much as possible. Hold for 5-10 seconds, and repeat 10 times. 
• Levator scapulae stretch: From sitting or standing, reach one arm over the top of the head with the elbow bent and pull the head gently towards the opposite knee until it stretches the neck. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the opposite side. 

These exercises would help to improve flexibility, strengthen neck muscles, and relieve pain. Also Read : Best Exercises for Sciatica: Get Rid of this Annoying Back Pain 

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

Physiotherapy exercises have many benefits in the case of neck pain, particularly if applied by the etiology: 

• Pain management: Physiotherapists help reduce pain and inflammation through manual therapy, ultrasound, and warm or cold treatments. 
• Mobility: Most physiotherapy exercises and stretches lead to increased mobility and flexibility in the neck. 
• Muscle strengthening: Strengthens the muscles surrounding your neck and shoulders, therefore minimizing  the pain.A systematic review in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal reported that physiotherapy had improved outcomes in neck pain, mainly combined with methods of education and exercise. 

When Should I Avoid Physiotherapy for Neck Pain?

While in general physiotherapy is a safe and effective practice, some conditions warrant advice against physiotherapy or even deferment of treatment: 

• Severe Pain: If you have unexpected severe neck pain, before starting physiotherapy. 
• Infections: Avoid physiotherapy where the area to be treated is infected until it is completely resolved. 
• Recent Surgery: If you’ve recently undergone neck surgery, only proceed with physiotherapy when advised by the doctor 

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain : Conclusion

Physiotherapy is a widely used and practical approach in the treatment of neck pain, with proven efficacy in providing relief from pain and yielding a better function with minimized risk of future discomfort. Some of the important steps in managing this common painful problem include understanding its causes, the appropriate exercises, and knowing when to seek professional help. Be sure to see a physiotherapist about neck pain for treatment that is individually tailored to your needs. 

Consult a Physiotherapist today!

References: 

1. Arianne P Verhagen. Physiotherapy management of neck pain. [Updated 2020 Dec 24].-. Accessed 8/25/2024 ; Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33358545/ 
2. MedlinePlus [Internet]: National Library of Medicine (US); Neck Injuries and Disorders; [cited 2024 Aug 30]; Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/neckinjuriesanddisorders.html
3. Nathan Hutting, Firas Mourad, Rik Kranenburg, Wilfred Wilbrink, Roger Kerry, Alan Taylor; Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy[Internet].[Published February 1, 2023].What to Look Out for, What to Do, and When: 3 Key Messages for Safely Treating Neck Pain, Headache, and/or Orofacial Symptoms in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Settings; [cited 2024 Aug 30]; Available from: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2022.11568