Neck Pain

Neck pain is a frequent complaint that can result from a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, or underlying conditions. Whether it’s a sudden injury or chronic discomfort, neck pain can affect your daily life and limit your ability to perform routine tasks. At ATI Physical Therapy, our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating neck pain, helping patients regain mobility and reduce discomfort.

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain refers to discomfort or soreness in the cervical spine area, which includes the seven vertebrae that make up the neck. This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain and may be accompanied by stiffness, reduced range of motion, or radiating symptoms into the shoulders and arms. Neck pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) and may significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Common Treatment Options

Injury Screenings
Online Physical Therapy
Specialty Therapies
Active Release
Auto and Personal Injury
Hydrotherapy
Manual Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Sports Medicine
Workers Comp Rehab

Common Neck Pain Causes

Neck pain can arise from several conditions and lifestyle factors. The most common causes include:

  • Poor Posture: Prolonged slouching or improper alignment when sitting or standing can strain the neck muscles.
  • Whiplash: A sudden movement of the neck caused by a collision or fall, leading to muscle strain or ligament injury.
  • Cervical Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the cervical spine joints, causing stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
  • Herniated Disc: A bulging or ruptured disc in the neck can compress nearby nerves, resulting in pain that radiates down the arms.
  • Muscle Strain: Overuse or sudden movements can lead to muscle tension and pain.
  • Pinched Nerve: Compression of nerves in the cervical spine can cause localized pain and radiating symptoms.
  • Stress: Emotional stress can lead to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

Neck Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of neck pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that radiates to other parts of the body. Some common neck pain symptoms include:

  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the neck.
  • Pain radiating to the shoulders or arms.
  • Muscle spasms or tightness in the neck muscles.
  • Headaches that stem from neck tension.

Neck Pain FAQ

Dealing with neck pain can be challenging and often raises many questions about causes, treatments, and prevention strategies. To address common concerns, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about neck pain. These cover topics such as risk factors, prevention techniques, when to seek neck physical therapy and beneficial exercises.

Risk factors for neck pain include:

  • Prolonged desk work or computer use
  • Poor posture habits
  • Age-related wear and tear
  • Previous neck injuries
  • Smoking (which can affect spinal health)
  • Obesity
  • Lack of regular exercise

To prevent neck pain:

  • Maintain good posture
  • Take frequent breaks from prolonged sitting
  • Use ergonomic workstations
  • Perform regular neck stretches and exercises
  • Stay physically active
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques
  • Sleep with proper neck support

Seek physical therapy for neck pain when:

  • Pain persists for several days without improvement
  • Pain radiates down your arms or legs
  • You experience numbness, tingling, or weaknessNeck pain is accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or nausea
  • Pain is severe or interferes with daily activities
  • You’ve recently been involved in an accident or fall

Beneficial exercises for neck pain often include:

  • Gentle neck stretches
  • Chin tucks
  • Shoulder blade squeezes
  • Isometric neck strengthening exercises
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Posture correction exercises
  • Low-impact aerobic activities

Your physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program based on your specific condition and needs.

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Physical Therapy for Neck Pain at ATI

At ATI Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive care for individuals experiencing neck pain. Whether you’re dealing with acute neck pain from an injury or chronic discomfort, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort, mobility, and function in your neck. Contact ATI Physical Therapy today.