Neck Pain Beaufort, MO

Neck Pain Beaufort, MO. It not only causes great discomfort, but also limits and affects the movements and postures that you once took for granted. If you are like 75 percent of us, neck pain has affected you at some point in your life. While the metaphorical “pain in the neck” is typically not more than a minor nuisance that you can successfully disregard, real neck pain is a serious issue. It is a pervasive problem that, when not promtly and properly cared for, can result in immense pain and limitations. Ranking as the number four cause of disability, neck pain makes up a large portion of the 88 billion dollars in annual healthcare costs for US neck and back complaints.

Do not try to ignore or push past your neck pain. If your neck pain is taking a toll on your life, it is important to get care from an expert right away. As the top Beaufort, MO physical therapy and occupational therapy facility, we have what it takes to provide the individualized and proven Beaufort, MO neck pain treatment you need to extinguish your pain and return you to the activities you enjoy. To take the first step toward lasting neck pain relief in Beaufort, MO, contact us today.

Causes and Risk Factors of Neck Pain in Beaufort, MO

It is a fact that the large majority of us suffer from neck pain at some point in our lives. The intricate and beautifully complex cervical spine is a vital system that serves to provide protection to our nervous system, offer support to our head, and allow us the flexibility and range of motion that make it possible to execute many of the motions and tasks we do every day. As such a complex region of the body, the neck is susceptible to pain and impairment due to overuse, injury and trauma, illnesses, and other conditions.

Common Causes of Beaufort, MO Neck Pain

• Sprains and strains
• Arthritis
• Direct trauma
• Injuries
• Joint degeneration
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Bulging disc

  

• Pinched nerve
• Surgery

More than 75% of us suffer from neck pain at some point. Fortunately for most of us, neck pain is often manageable and will usually improve without requiring extensive treatment. Still, a lot of other Beaufort, MO neck pain patients need tailored care. Up to 85% of people who have neck pain experience a pain episode within one to five years and 37% of neck pain patients develop chronic neck pain that persists beyond one year.

Neck pain is a prevalent problem that can clearly happen to anyone in Beaufort, MO. There are some indicators, however, that predicate neck pain for many. Risk factors include:

• Occupation – The professions that most frequently experience neck pain are office workers, healthcare workers, and manual laborers. But, more than the industry or title, the biggest work-related indicator of neck pain is workers who are stressed and unhappy at work, irrespective of the industry or occupation.
• Weight – With comparatively less muscle strength and more stress on the joints and skeletal system, those who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience neck pain.
• Posture – It’s such a common problem in today’s time that we have a colloquial term for it: “text neck.” Poor posture is an obvious aggravator of neck and spine issues including neck pain. For every 15 degrees of forward bend in the neck, the strain on the cervical spine nearly doubles.
• Smoking – Smoking accelerate disc degeneration and cause pain in the neck, throughout the back, and in other joints.
• Stress – It is well-known that stress is hard on the body. Neck pain due to stress is more than merely carrying tension. The physiological stress response also is responsible for  enlarging blood vessels in the muscles, restricts neck and shoulder movement, and heightens the perception of pain.

Beaufort, MO Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

Getting quality and timely care and treatment for your neck pain are crucial, especially considering the complexity of the spine and the high rates of neck pain recurrence in Beaufort, MO. Physical therapy is an accepted and popular treatment methods for neck pain sufferers. This is with good reason, as evidence supports it as a highly effective neck pain treatment strategy. Though in some cases more extensive medical treament beyond physical therapy might be required, physical therapy is a much safer choice than surgery or medication.

Physical therapy is a powerful treatment approach for Beaufort, MO neck pain that is low-risk and undisruptive. The knowledge and technical skill provided in physical therapy help patients heal safely and completely. Through a combination of hands-on manual therapies, exercise, and education, Beaufort, MO physical therapy treatment for neck pain can be successful in reducing pain and stiffness while improving the range of motion needed for pain-free activity. Beaufort, MO physical therapy patients can also benefit by developing strength and flexibility in the muscles related to the neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, and core, while at the same time introducing preventative adjustments to avoid the risk of future pain or injury, like posture education and changes to the work-station.

With a personalized Beaufort, MO physical therapy program based on your unique neck condition and goals, you can soon enjoy restored mobility, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. When you seek treatment with Axes Physical Therapy, your neck pain care near Beaufort, MO will address the reason for your neck pain and your goals for recovery. Your dedicated Beaufort, MO physical therapist may design your neck pain treatment plan to include some of these treatment methods:

• Stretching –  stretches and exercises to improve the strength and range of motion of the muscles connected to the cervical spine
• Core, shoulder, and back strengthening – conditioning to strengthen muscles in the torso, shoulder, and scapular region that work together to support and provide stability to the cervical spine and upper extremities
• Aerobic activity – to encourage healthy blood flow and build body strength, low-impact cardiovascular exercise
• Traction – separating the vertebrae relieves pressure and allows inflamed and irritated nerves and discs to heal
• Postural correction – improving posture by demonstrating and educating proper practices, using lumbar support and other assistive devices when necessary
• Joint mobilization and manipulation – your physical therapist performs this manual therapy by manipulating the joint to mimic normal joint and tissue movement, allowing for the gradual restoration of typical joint function and range of motion
• Trigger point dry needling – direct targeting of irritated or tight muscle tissue areas provides relief by releasing and relaxing the irritated tissue, which allows the muscles to reclaim their range of motion
• Massage – releasing tension through the massage and hands-on manipulation of soft tissues
• Therapeutic modalities – things like ultrasound therapy and electrical nerve and muscle stimulation therapies can supplement other therapies
• Heat and ice – local application of ice and/or heat can manage pain and swelling
• Ergonomic modifications and devices – to prevent complication and further neck pain, support devices can be used for sleeping, sitting, working at a desk, etc
• Posture correction – training and education on proper posture to reduce the amount of pressure and strain the neck is subjected to, helping to manage pain and avoid ongoing Beaufort, MO neck pain issues

   

Symptoms of Neck Pain

In order to understand the nature of your neck pain and design the most effective method of care in Beaufort, MO, your Axes Beaufort, MO physical therapist must perform an examination to evaluate your condition. Pain, of course, is the primary indicator of neck pain. However, the spine is a brilliantly complex and versatile structure within the human body and the cervical spine, or the neck portion of the spine, is no exception. Different neck pain causes may manifest different symptoms and present certain types of pain.

Symptoms that can distinguish the cause of your neck pain are:

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
• Upper extremity weakness
• Headaches
• Pain in the upper back, shoulders, arms, or hands
• Stiffness and mobility limitations
• Increased pain when sneezing, coughing, reaching, etc
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty sleeping
• Pain that escalates at a specific time of the day, like in the morning or at night at bedtime

You may feel neck pain that you could describe with a word such as:

• Sharp
• Stabbing
• Dull
• Aching
• Throbbing
• Tingling
• Radiating

When you meet with your Beaufort, MO physical therapist, they will work to understand the cause of your neck pain by asking you specific questions. They may also assess factors including strength, flexibility, range of motion, posture, and functional ability through an examination. Our goal as your Beaufort, MO neck pain physical therapist is to understand the entirety of your neck pain before beginning your care so that we can provide complete, safe, and effective treatment.

Care for your Neck Pain near Beaufort, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

If you suffer from persistent or recurring neck pain, you are not alone. The Axes team recognizes that neck pain is a complex condition that affects many of us in Beaufort, MO and throughout the United States and we are here to help. Axes Physical Therapy offers accessible, low-risk, effective neck pain care near Beaufort, MO provided by licensed physical therapists who specialize in the spine. The patient-centered philosophy, individualized care, and extremely talented and qualified staff found in our facilities make significant, long-term neck pain relief in Beaufort, MO possible.

It is time for you to enjoy the activities you love and the pain relief you deserve. Our family of twelve locally owned and operated physical therapy facilities provide safe and personalized neck pain care in the Beaufort, MO area location of your choice. Experience the effect of Axes’ quality physical therapy treatment on your neck pain by beginning your treatment right away. Contact us today or submit an appointment request online now.