Your neck does a lot more than just turning, twisting, bending, and holding up your head, which weighs about 10-11 pounds. Hence, it occasionally experiences a combination of aches and pains.
Your neck contains several bones, tendons, ligaments, discs, muscles, and nerves. They all collectively deliver the range of motion you need to look over your shoulder or gaze up at the stars. If you injure any of those delicate parts or have soreness in the cervical portion, you will experience pain.
If you are battling neck pain, you don’t need to resort to intense medication or IV therapy at home. You can opt for effective physiotherapy treatment methods to recover and prevent further strain or injury. However, the patient’s condition determines the suitability and dosage of specific methods, duration of treatment, approaches, and courses of action.
In this blog post, we examine the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment for neck pain.
Primary Goals of Physiotherapy Treatment for Neck Pain Relief
Neck pain has a reputation for causing severe discomfort. Moreover, it can worsen gradually if left unattended. Therefore, the goal of physiotherapy treatment is simple here.
They function to dial up mobility in the neck and head region, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve muscle strength, all while preventing the neck from further damage due to poor treatment plans.
Even if it does not eliminate the pain, physical therapy will play a vital role in improving neck posture and function for daily movements.
When Physical Therapy Could Be Advised
Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain is standard in a variety of cases, including:
-
Unspecified Chronic Pain
If neck pain becomes recurring, it can be difficult to identify the exact source of pain. Strengthening the neck’s muscles through physical therapy may help support the cervical spine in pain.
-
Recovering From Injury
Specific injuries like whiplash can damage the neck’s soft tissues and joints, causing lasting pain and stiffness. A physical therapy program can reduce pain and facilitate normal neck functioning.
-
Recovering From Surgery
Surgeries on the neck can occasionally result in significant pain and stiffness. For example, an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion surgery causes fusion between two or more vertebrae in the neck- altering the movement of some neck and upper back muscles.
Doctor-at-home services can help you overcome stiffness, improve neck function, and avoid painful spasms. Such treatments are also part of larger programs to cure diseases or chronic conditions.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Neck Pain Management
Neck pain was traditionally associated with elderly individuals. However, teenagers and working professionals are also suffering from it today. The abundance of desk jobs combined with a lack of physical activity is negatively affecting human health, thereby causing chronic pain in the neck muscles.
Although painkillers and medication can temporarily relieve the discomfort, they cannot remove the soreness in the cervical area. Your best course of action to achieve an effective and long-lasting impact is to undergo physiotherapy treatment for neck pain.
Physio at Home Dubai recommends this treatment in a variety of cases, including:
- When the pain stays for months
- When you are recuperating from a surgery
- When you are diagnosed with medical conditions.
How Can Physiotherapy Help You?
Physical therapy is broadly accredited as one of the most effective neck pain remedies. It removes muscle rigidity and improves mobility. Physiotherapy for neck pain primarily includes two components: active exercises and passive physical therapy.
We explain how physiotherapy treatment for neck pain can provide comfort.
1. Active Exercises
Active exercises include stretching, aerobics, core exercises, and back strengthening. The therapist will recommend a handful of exercises and stretches that directly work on the muscles attached to the cervical spine. Core body strength training builds neck functionality, activates spinal joints, betters body posture, and fast-tracks the rate of healing.
These exercises can benefit you by improving your upper and lower back muscle strength and various spinal conditions. Aerobics work on normalising your breathing, boosts blood circulation, and brings agility to the body. It’s necessary to mention that light aerobic exercises are less likely to strain your spine and neck muscles.
Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain comes in many forms. Maintaining a regular practice routine can help you avoid chronic pain. We recommend you consult a trained physiotherapist who can develop a structured plan for you. If your work schedule does not allow you to take part in every therapeutic session, you can switch to the physiotherapy at home Dubai model.
2. Passive Physical Therapy
The treatment methods include electrotherapy, massage, heat/cold therapy, and ultrasound. Ice and heat packs have a tremendous impact on inflammation and pain, boosting blood circulation and reducing muscle stiffness. Massaging the neck area for pain relief eases the muscles, shoulder, and surrounding areas.
Electrotherapy sessions involve sending mild electrical currents to the injured muscles. Despite the availability of various types, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the most common method. The electric pulses go beneath the skin to ease the pain. The ultrasound device concentrates on improving the ache and restoring the tissues. It delivers sound waves to the damaged tissues, thereby reducing inflammation and bettering blood flow.
Neck Exercises for Neck Pain Relief
Effective exercises, such as geriatric physiotherapy, can alleviate neck pain. They improve flexibility, neck strength, and range of motion. According to skilled physiotherapists, common neck exercises include lateral neck flexion, rotary neck exercises, and head turns.
1. Neck Rotation
Try sitting straight or standing upright. Then, rotate your head slowly towards the left side. Refrain from turning your head to its maximum capacity. Now, try repeating the step on the right side. Make sure your chin is maintaining level with the ground throughout this process. We recommend you follow the same cycle ten times twice daily for neck pain relief.
2. Shoulder Blade Squeeze
Stand upright and lift your arms to shoulder height. Also, keep your palms facing forward and your elbow bent. Now, move your arms back and jam your shoulder blades together. Try retaining this posture for about ten seconds before regaining your starting position. You must try this exercise five times.
3. Neck Retraction
Sit down while maintaining an upright posture. Then, pull your chin backwards and keep it close to your neck. However, avoid straining your chin by attempting to tilt your head extremely. Once you have drawn your chin backwards, hold its position while pushing your head backwards. You will feel the back of your neck stretching. Repeat the drill once you have relaxed for a bit.
4. Levator Scapulae Stretch
Sit down and relax your upper body. Turn your head south at a 45-degree angle to your left side. Now, use your left hand to pull your head even downwards with a gentle motion. Ensure you don’t exert yourself too much while feeling a stretch in your neck. We recommend you retain this position for about 20 seconds and relax. Try this exercise on the other side afterwards.
5. Upper Trapezius Stretch
Sit upright while tilting your head slowly towards the left side. Make sure the motion allows your ear to touch the shoulder. Push your head with your left hand towards the shoulder. Try retaining the position for 10-15 seconds before relaxing in your seated position. Then, perform the steps on the right side.
Neck Strengthening Exercises for Neck Pain
Although physical therapy exercises for neck pain relief remove discomfort, neck strengthening exercises improve overall neck strength. They can also prevent the pain from resurfacing in the future.
1. Neck Isometrics
Neck isometric exercises can help you add strength and flexibility to your neck muscles. The exercises include chin tucks, where you draw your head backwards as much as possible; neck flexion, where you bend your neck forward temporarily before returning to your original position; and Isometric flexion, where you use your hand to apply pressure on the forehead.
2. Head Lifts
Fall flat on your back while keeping your knees bent. You must keep your feet flat on the floor throughout the exercise. Now, lift your hands and interlock your fingers on the back of your head. Lift your head while inhaling with your elbows by the side. Follow it by exhaling and resting your head back on the ground.
3. Neck Extension
Stand upright to tilt your head back- make sure you look directly skywards. However, refrain from arching your back in the process. Attempt the same step, but now, do it in the forward direction with the face looking at the floor. Try doing this 5-10 times.
4. Shoulder Blade Pinch
Stand straight and rest your hands by your side. Club together your shoulder blades closely, thereby building a pinching feeling. Retain this position for 5-10 seconds before repeating it. It’s necessary to mention that neck pain physiotherapy treatments are often associated with other muscles that, upon gaining support, provide for the neck.
Neck Muscle Exercises for Neck Pain Relief
Neck muscle exercises involve specific physiotherapy workouts that can improve neck muscle strength and flexibility. They can also relieve neck pain and improve range of motion.
1. Shoulder Shrugs
Take up a standing position with your feet spread out shoulder-width apart. Now, bend your knees enough to align with your toes. Perform this while keeping your hands by the side. Make sure your knees don’t bend any further. Try inhaling while lifting both your shoulders up. Maintain a slow pace while doing the exercise to feel the tension in your muscles. Repeat the shoulders after lowering your shoulders.
2. Wall Angels
Stand on your feet while maintaining an 8 inches distance from the wall. Now, turn against the wall and draw your upper body towards it. Once you have established absolute connectivity, lift your arms with the palms facing outward. Begin descending your arms down towards your shoulder while keeping the elbows bent. Retain the posture when repeating the steps.
3. Neck Flexion
You could be seated or stand up to perform this neck pain relief exercise. Tilt your head backwards to see the ceiling. Retain this position for about ten seconds before returning to your original position. We recommend you repeat the steps multiple times to complete the exercise cycle.
4. Seated Twist
Sit down with your back straight while putting one of your feet over another in a cross-legged position. Now, shift your right hand to your left knee and place your left hand on the floor behind you. Try inhaling as you stretch your spine upwards. Later, turn right to create a twist in the base of your spine. Make sure to exhale while you twist. Once complete, you must repeat this on the other side.
5. Lateral raises
Lastly, stand upright while keeping your side and palms inside. Additionally, maintain a distance between your feet from each other. Now, lift both arms towards the side and spread them straight to your shoulder level. We recommend you retain the position before returning to your original position to finish the cycle. Repeat the steps to gain neck pain relief.
Stretches For Neck Pain Relief
Stretches are another effective form of physiotherapy treatment for neck pain. They can help reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility and range of motion.
1. Forward Neck Stretch
You can sit or stand for this exercise. Use your fingers to draw your chin in a while. Alternatively, use your other hand to push your head south towards your chest. The process will create a stretch on your neck. Retain this position for about fifteen seconds before repeating it. Make sure that you strain your neck to finish the process.
2. Side Neck Stretch
Stand straight and slowly tilt your head towards the left side. Use your left hand to push your head south gradually. Hold the position to feel the stretch as you push further before returning to the original posture. Now, take the same steps on the other side. You should repeat this drill about 5-7 times.
3. Ear to Shoulder
You can consider improving your spine by either sitting or a standing position. Move your head to one side gradually until your ear touches the shoulder. Retain this position briefly before lifting your arm on the same side. Use the arm to softly nudge the head further into the shoulder.
4. Child’s Pose
You need to sit on your knees with your bums on your heels to perform this physiotherapy home exercise. Lean forward gently to rest your forehead on the floor. Afterwards, stretch your arms forward, hold them, and bring them back to your side. Try not to strain any muscles in the process when you are repeating the steps gently.
5. Scalene Stretch
You must stay seated or stand upright to perform this exercise. Shift your head towards your left shoulder to feel the stretch. Now, move your head slightly further at an angle that allows you to look over your shoulder. Then, draw your chin up slightly to improve the sensation on the left side of your neck. Once done, you should repeat the steps on the other side.
How Effective Is Physical Therapy?
Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain improves muscle strength, alleviates neck pain, and prevents further injury. More and more people with chronic neck pains or injuries are undergoing physical therapy to get both immediate and long-term relief.
The growing impact of neurological physiotherapy is further amplified when it works in tandem with extends with other modes of treatment. Qualified physical therapists often choose to extend the physiotherapy sessions when they identify the pain’s cause as outside of the neck.
When Should We Avoid Physiotherapy For Neck Pain?
Although, in most cases, physiotherapy for back and neck pain cuts down the pain in your neck region, it packs a lot more. You can expect it to improve your mobility and prevent the recurrence of further injuries. It’s necessary to know when to avoid engaging in physiotherapy.
We have detailed about a few times when physical therapy treatments are unnecessary:
- You must avoid physiotherapy when your spine lacks stability in the spine or the neck region. It could cause the pain to worsen as it adds more stress to the muscles and the spinal cord.
- Furthermore, you must consider avoiding it when there is an underlying medical condition. You can potentially cause further damage to it with more physical activities.
Why Choose Nexx For Physiotherapy Treatment For Neck Pain?
Now that you have developed a significant grasp of physiotherapy treatment for neck pain and how it can benefit you in neck pain relief, you might necessitate a physical therapist. You can save time and resources by choosing Nexx Healthcare Centre.
We are among the leading physical therapy service providers in Dubai. We bring extensive knowledge, outstanding skills, and considerable experience to deliver excellent healthcare solutions. We don’t just ensure neck pain treatment, but also paediatric physiotherapy, manual lymphatic drainage, sports and therapeutic massage, dry needling, and trigger point treatment, to name a few.
Call us today to learn more about our home healthcare in Dubai services!