Neck Pain Ironton, MO

Neck Pain Ironton, MO. It is painful, greatly limiting, and it affects your ability to move in ways that you typically have no problem with. If you happen to be like 75 percent majority, you have experienced neck pain at one time or another. Though a metaphorical “pain in the neck” is typically not more than a minor annoyance that you can easily ignore, actual 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 significant portion of the 88 billion dollars in annual healthcare costs for neck and back pain in the US.

If you experience neck pain, do not brush it off. If your life is affected by your neck pain, seek the right care as soon as possible. Axes Physical Therapy is the leading Ironton, MO area provider of physical and occupational therapy and can provide you with the personalized and evidence-based Ironton, MO neck pain treatment that will manage your pain and return you to what you love. To begin receiving the quality Ironton, MO neck pain care you deserve, contact us today.

Causes and Risk Factors of Neck Pain in Ironton, MO

Neck pain is a common condition that the vast majority of us will experience at least once during our lifetime. The intricate and beautifully complex cervical spine is a vital system that serves to protect our vital nervous system, offer support to our head, and afford us a unique combination of flexibility 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 vulnerable to pain and impairment that can be caused by overuse, injury and trauma, illnesses, and other conditions.

Common Ironton, MO Neck Pain Causes

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

  

• Pinched nerve
• Surgery

At some point in our lives, an estimated 75% of us will suffer from some type of neck pain. For many, that neck pain will be manageable and will usually improve without requiring major treatment. Still, a lot of other Ironton, MO neck pain patients are not so lucky. Up to 85% of people who have neck pain will experience at least one more recurrence of their pain in a five-year period and 37% of neck pain patients develop chronic neck pain that endures more than a year.

As such a common issue, it is clear that neck pain can affect anyone in Ironton, MO. There are some indicators, however, that predicate neck pain for many. Risk factors for neck pain include:

• Occupation – Office workers, healthcare workers, and manual laborers are the occupations most likely to develop neck pain. 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 – Because of the added stress on the joints and skeletal system and proportionately less muscle strength, neck pain is common among people who are overweight or obese.
• Posture – We have a term for it these days: “text neck.” Poor posture is a major contributor to 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 can be blamed for much pain in the neck, back, and other joints due to its ability to can precipitate disc degeneration.
• Stress – We know that stress can wreak havoc on the body in many ways. Neck pain due to stress is more than merely carrying tension. Stress is a physiological response that is responsible for  enlarging blood vessels in the muscles, restricts neck and shoulder movement, and heightens the perception of pain.

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain in Ironton, MO

It is paramount that you seek out the proper treatment and care for your neck pain as soon as possible. Physical therapy is one of the most common forms of treatment for neck pain sufferers. The efficacy of physical therapy is supported by extensive evidence. Though it is possible in some cases that additional treatments beyond physical therapy might be needed, physical therapy is an excellent first line of defense.

Physical therapy is a powerful treatment approach for Ironton, MO neck pain that is low-risk and undisruptive. The knowledge and technical skill provided in physical therapy help patients heal safely and completely. Ironton, MO physical therapy makes use of hands-on manual therapies, exercise, and education. A treatment plan using a combination of these strategies can be successful in reducing pain and stiffness while improving the range of motion needed for pain-free activity. Ironton, MO physical therapy patients can also benefit by stretching and strengthening muscles affecting the neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, and core, all while introducing preventative practices to avoid the risk of future pain or injury, like posture education and work-station adaptation.

With a personalized Ironton, MO physical therapy program determined by your individual neck condition and goals, you can soon enjoy restored mobility, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. At Axes Physical Therapy, your neck pain care near Ironton, MO will be tailored to the cause of your neck pain and your goals for managing the condition. Your personal Ironton, MO physical therapist may design your neck pain treatment plan to include some of these treatment methods:

• Stretching –  stretching and exercising of the muscles surrounding the cervical spine increase strength and flexibity
• Core, shoulder, and back strengthening – conditioning to make stronger the 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 – low impact cardiovascular exercise that increase body strength and blood flow
• Traction – separating the vertebrae decreases pressure and gives irritated and inflamed nerves and discs an opportunity to heal
• Postural correction – improving posture by demonstrating and educating proper practices, supplementing with modification devices like lumbar support cushions when appropriate
• Joint mobilization and manipulation – a manual therapy in which your physical therapist gently moves specific joints in a way that mirrors normal joint and tissue movement to gradually restore regular joint function and range of motion
• Trigger point dry needling – direct targeting of irritated or tight muscle tissue areas releases and relaxes 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 – a supplement to other therapy methods – things such as ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation
• Heat and ice – use of heat and/or ice can manage swelling and pain
• Ergonomic modifications and devices – medical support devices and modifications to relieve neck pain and relieve aggrivating issues from sleeping, sitting, working at a desk, etc
• Posture correction – training to correct posture to reduce the amount of pressure put on the neck, reduce pain, and avoid further Ironton, MO neck pain issues

   

Symptoms of Neck Pain

To truly understand the nature of your neck pain and design the most appropriate treatment plan in Ironton, MO, your Axes Ironton, MO physical therapist must examine, observe, and evaluate your condition. Pain is an obvious indicator of neck pain. However, because the spine, including the cervical spine where the neck is housed, is so delightfully complex and versatile, neck pain can present in different ways throughout the body. The specific source of your neck pain may be expressed as different symptoms and present distinct pain sensations.

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

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
• Weakness in the arms
• Headaches
• Pain in the upper back, shoulders, arms, or hands
• Stiffness and immobility
• Increased pain when sneezing, coughing, reaching, etc
• Comparatively limited range of motion
• Difficulty sleeping
• Pain that escalates during a specific period of the day, like in the morning or at night at bedtime

Your neck pain may be described with words such as:

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

When you meet with your Ironton, 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. By serving as your dedicated Ironton, MO neck pain physical therapist, our mission is to understand the entirety of your neck pain prior to beginning your treatment to be sure that we provide the safest and most effective treatment available.

Care for your Neck Pain near Ironton, 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 Ironton, MO and throughout the United States and we are here to help. Axes Physical Therapy offers convenient, low-risk, evidence-based neck pain care near Ironton, MO, all administered by licensed physical therapists who specialize in the spine. Our patient-centered approach, dedicated care, and highly qualified staff make it possible for you to find meaningful, lasting relief from your neck pain near Ironton, MO.

It is time for you to enjoy the activities you love and the pain relief you deserve. We have established a network of locally owned and operated physical therapy treatment facilities that provide neck pain care of unrivaled quality in the Ironton, MO area location that is convenient for you. Experience the effect of Axes’ quality physical therapy treatment on your neck pain by starting a treatment program right now. Reach us today or submit an appointment request online now.