Neck Pain Webster Groves, MO

Neck Pain Webster Groves, MO. It is painful, greatly limiting, and it affects your ability to move in ways that you once took for granted. If you are like 75 percent majority, you have experienced neck pain at one time or another. Though a figurative “pain in the neck” is typically not more than a minor annoyance that you can easily disregard, actual neck pain is a serious issue that affects so many of us and can lead to significant pain and loss of function if not treated promptly and thoroughly. Neck pain, the fourth leading cause of disability, accounts for a significant portion of the 88 billion dollars in annual healthcare costs for US neck and back complaints.

If you experience neck pain, do not brush it off. If your neck pain is taking a toll on your life, it is important to get the right care as soon as possible. As the top Webster Groves, MO physical therapy and occupational therapy facility, we can provide you with the personalized and evidence-based Webster Groves, MO neck pain treatment that will extinguish your pain and return you to the activities you enjoy. To begin receiving the quality Webster Groves, MO neck pain care you deserve, contact us today.

Causes and Risk Factors of Neck Pain in Webster Groves, MO

Neck pain is a common condition that the vast majority of us will experience at some point in our lives. We depend upon the intricate and complex structures that make up the cervical spine to protect our vital nervous system, offer support to our head, and allow us the flexibility and range of motion that make many activities and tasks possible. However, this intricate arrangement also makes the neck vulnerable to pain and impairment due to overuse, injury and trauma, illnesses, and other conditions.

Common Causes of Webster Groves, MO Neck Pain

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

  

• Pinched nerve
• Surgery

Around 75% of the population experience neck pain at least once during our lifetime. For many, that neck pain will be manageable and will usually resolve itself without requiring major treatment. Still, many other Webster Groves, MO neck pain patients need tailored care. Up to 85% of people who have neck pain will experience a pain episode in a five-year period and in 37% of those with neck pain, the condition becomes chronic, with neck pain lasting more than one year.

Neck pain is a prevalent problem that can clearly affect anyone in Webster Groves, MO. There are some indicators, however, that predicate neck pain for many. Some of these factors are:

• 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 those whose work causes them stress and unhappiness, regardless of the industry or occupation.
• Weight – Because of the added stress on the joints and skeletal system and proportionately less muscle strength, those who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience neck pain.
• Posture – There is a term for the poor posture so many of us spend so much time in: “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 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. Stress-related neck pain is more than merely carrying tension. Stress is a physiological response that enlarges blood vessels in the muscles, restricts neck and shoulder movement, and heightens the perception of pain.

Webster Groves, 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 Webster Groves, MO. Physical therapy is one of the most common forms of treatment for people experiencing neck pain. It has been found to be highly effective in treating neck pain. Though in some cases additional treatments beyond physical therapy might be needed, physical therapy is a much safer choice than surgery or medication.

Physical therapy is an easily accessible, low-risk, non-invasive form of treatment that addresses the cause of your Webster Groves, MO neck pain. The knowledge and technical skill provided in physical therapy help patients heal safely and completely. Webster Groves, MO physical therapy makes use of hands-on manual therapies, exercise, and education. A treatment plan using a combination of these strategies relieves stiffness and pain so that you may regain normal mobility and function. Additionally, Webster Groves, MO physical therapy can assist with stretching and strengthening the muscles related to the neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, and core, while at the same time implementing preventative adjustments to avoid the risk of future pain or injury, such as posture education and changes to the work-station.

With a personalized Webster Groves, MO physical therapy program based on your unique neck condition and goals, you will soon be able to once again enjoy your usual mobility, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. At Axes Physical Therapy, your neck pain care near Webster Groves, MO will be tailored to the reason for your neck pain and your goals for managing the condition. Your dedicated Webster Groves, MO physical therapist may design your neck pain treatment plan to include some of these treatment methods:

• Stretching –  stretches and exercises of the muscles surrounding the cervical spine increase strength and flexibity
• Core, shoulder, and back strengthening – conditioning to improve the strength of 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 – creating space between 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, using lumbar support and other assistive devices when appropriate
• Joint mobilization and manipulation – your physical therapist performs this manual therapy by manipulating specific joints 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 inflamed or tight muscle tissue areas provides relief by releasing and relaxing the irritated tissue, making it possible for the muscle to regain its 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 – use of heat and/or ice can reduce pain and swelling
• 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 on proper posture to reduce the amount of pressure put on the neck, reduce pain, and prevent ongoing Webster Groves, MO neck pain issues

   

Symptoms of Neck Pain

To truly understand the cause and extent of your neck pain and formulate the best treatment plan in Webster Groves, MO, your Axes Webster Groves, MO physical therapist must examine, observe, and evaluate your condition. Pain, of course, is the primary symptom 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. The specific source of your neck pain may present various symptoms and present certain types of pain.

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

• Numbness or tingling of the arms or hands
• Upper extremity weakness
• Headaches
• Pain that extends to the upper back, shoulders, arms, or hands
• Stiffness and immobility
• Increased pain when sneezing, coughing, reaching, etc
• Limited range of motion
• Sleeping problems
• Symptoms of pain that occur during a specific part of the day, like in the morning or at night at bedtime

The types of neck pain you might experience include:

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

Your Webster Groves, MO physical therapist will ask you questions designed to understand the cause of your neck pain. In addition, they may assess factors including strength, flexibility, range of motion, posture, and functional ability through an examination. Our goal as your Webster Groves, MO neck pain physical therapist is to gain as complete a picture as possible of your neck pain before beginning your treatment so that we can provide the safest and most effective treatment available.

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

If you suffer from persistent or recurring neck pain, you are not alone. Axes recognizes that neck pain is a complex condition that affects many of us in Webster Groves, MO and throughout the United States. We have what it takes to restore you to optimal health. Axes Physical Therapy offers accessible, safe, proven neck pain care near Webster Groves, MOby the hands of licensed physical therapists which advanced degrees and training in the treatment of the spine. The patient-centered philosophy, individualized care, and extremely talented and qualified staff found in our facilities make long-lasting, complete relief from your neck pain in Webster Groves, MO a reality.

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 safe and personalized neck pain care in the Webster Groves, MO area location that is convenient for you. Experience the power that Axes’ physical therapy care can have on your neck pain by starting a treatment program immediately. Contact us today or fill out an appointment request form now.