Physiotherapy Management for Neck Pain

The most common causes of neck pain are injury and postural problems. Neck pain is also caused by arthritis and degenerative disc disease. Most common cause of arthritis in neck is osteoarthritis. Neck pain is caused by diseases involving facet joint, disc, spinal nerve, cervical radiculopathy¹ and vertebral column. Treatment of neck pain follows complete examination and diagnosis. Choice of Physical Therapy treatment depends on cause of pain. Thus, it is important to know the cause of neck pain prior to initiation of physical therapy. It is very important to do neck exercises not only when you are in pain, but also to prevent any injuries and keep your neck muscles strong. Physical therapy for neck is provided by physical therapist and chiropractor.²

• Effective Treatment-
  • Manual manipulative therapy is quite an effective method to treat both acute as well as chronic neck pain.
• Improvements-
  • Manipulative therapy can achieve improvement of neck movements, reduce pain, and prevent further deterioration resulting in acceleration of neck pain.
• Objective of Therapy-
  • Manipulative therapy for neck pain involves therapeutic exercise, manipulation, and passive joint mobilizations.

• Exact Technique- This type of exercise must be performed correctly in order to avoid injury.
• Resistance- Resistance and time of exercise should gradually increase within expected “pain boundaries”.
• Avoid Pain- Never try to do an exercise to the point of pain.
• Slow Rhythm- Do following exercises very slowly.
• Limitations- If your pain worsens, stop the exercise. Evaluate the intensity and duration of pain. If pain disappears then begin exercise after 24 to 48 hours break.
• Continued Pain- See the treating physician.

• Neck Flexion-
  • Flex the head forward about 2/3rd of the optimum range and prevent further forward movement by using hand.
  • Hand placed over forehead resists further forward movement and flexion of neck.
  • Continue forward head movement for brief period, while continuing resistance with hand.
• Neck Extension-
  • Extend the head backward about 2/3rd of optimum possible extension.
  • Resist further extension with both hand locked in placed over back of the head or occipital bone.
  • Hold the position while trying to further extend the neck against the resistance established by both hand.
  • Repeat both exercise and increase frequency from 2 to 10 times over 2 weeks period.
• Lateral Tilt of Head-
  • Tilt the head side way about 2/3rd of optimum possible tilt.
  • Resist further tilt with hand placed over same side of skull above ear.
  • Hold the position while trying to further tilt the neck against the resistance established by hand of same side.
  • Repeat the exercise and increase frequency from 2 to 10 times over 2 weeks period.

• Increases range of motion in the neck,
• Builds coordination and strength in the cervical musculature.
• Prevents further deterioration of disease and pain.

• Precautions should be taken during massage therapy of Neck.
• Deep massage therapy is avoided.
• Massage therapy for neck is safe when performed by experience therapist.

• Massage therapy includes superficial or deep massage.
• Massage therapy improves blood circulation of muscles, ligaments and bones.
• Improved blood circulation results in decreased inflammation and reduces pain caused by inflammation.

• Improve blood circulation
• Improve facet joint movements
• Improve muscle fatigue and excretion of lactic acid.
• Improve muscle metabolism

• Position of neck is important while standing, sitting and lying down position.
• Different muscle assists in maintaining neck posture.
• Muscles strength and mass is built on habitual postural position.
• Chronic pain generated in facet joint, ligament, tendon and muscle prevents certain movement and position of neck and head.

• Physical therapist following the examination evaluates the cause of abnormal posture of neck and suggests correction.
• Everyday your neck muscles do many actions and each of the neck muscles performs multiple functions.
• Therapist will suggest posture, which will use the less painful muscles and tendons.

• It is very important to maintain good neck posture. Your neck muscles can be strained if you have bad neck posture, especially if your neck posture is chronic.
• Also bad neck posture would cause your neck to be in a compromised position that can cause a tight shoulder muscles, stiff neck, and a trapezius that hurts at the gentlest touch.

Also Read:

• Neck Pain or Cervicalgia: Types, Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Treatment, Exercises, Tests
• Simple Remedies For Relieving Neck Pain
• Massage for Neck Pain Relief
• Can Neck Pain Cause Shoulder Pain?
• Muscle Relaxers for Back and Neck Pain
• How Long Does Neck Pain Last & What to do for it?
• Important Vitamins to Take for Shoulder and Neck Pain
• Neck Pain in Teenagers: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

References: