Neck pain is typically experienced by up to 20 percent of the population over the span of one
year. No matter your occupation, you are likely to experience stiffness and pain in the neck
occasionally. Neck pain can be particularly unpleasant in that it is recurring if left untreated
and long-term neck pain might develop. Neck pain is an issue therefore best dealt with early
on.
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat neck pain. Not only does it help in
managing the pain itself, but physiotherapy may also help strengthen muscles in the neck
and improve your range of motion.
What Are the Common Causes of Neck Pain?.
Before treating neck pain, a physiotherapist will try to identify the possible causes that lead
to it. This will ensure, accurate and effective treatment. Here are some of the most common
causes of neck pain:
● Previous neck injuries and traumas
● Improper posture while standing and sitting
● Inactive lifestyle
● Poor condition of workplace
● Weak muscles
● Stiffness in the neck
● Poor sleeping positions
Once the main cause is identified, physiotherapists will know what treatments and methods
to conduct for patients to feel the most effective and long-lasting relief. They will also know
which exercises to prescribe and advice to give in order to maintain a healthy neck and
prevent neck pain from occurring over and over again.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Just as neck pain is caused by a wide variety of factors, physiotherapists have a wide variety
of treatments to offer. It is also important to note that every person’s condition is unique and
individual. Physiotherapists will accordingly provide unique and personalized treatment plans
to each of their patients.
Some of the treatments potentially prescribed by physiotherapists include massages,
exercises, mobilizations, electrotherapies, manipulations, correction of posture, etc. A
physiotherapist may use manual therapy and advise you on different exercise in order to
address weakened tissues and muscles in the neck.
Physiotherapists may also engage the following methods and treatments in cases of neck
pain:
1. Assessment and advice
Your physiotherapist’s first step will likely be an in-depth assessment of the condition in
order to have a better understanding of why neck pain is occurring.
Assessment and re-assessment are done both at the start and at the end of sessions. That
way, the effects of the treatment method used can be understood, and the most effective
treatments can be used moving forward.
Also, advice will be given to patients in order to maintain a healthy neck condition and
prevent neck pain from occurring again in the future.
2. Modifications in the workplace
Modifications in the setup or condition of the workplace can be an effective way of
addressing neck pain. For example, your work station or desk setup may be adjusted to
create a more comfortable posture for the neck while working. Using chairs, tables and other
devices that are ergonomically designed is a viable option since these aids prevent postural
stress and pain for their users. Ergonomic modifications can also be made to your home at
home as well.
3. Manual therapy to lessen pain
Another part of physiotherapy includes the use of methods that can help relieve the pain and
discomfort in the neck manually. This includes massaging the neck to relax its muscles.
4. Educational methods
Educational methods are an important part of the treatment plan. These methods include
teaching patients proper posture, as well as proper sitting and sleeping positions. Learning
how to prevent and manage neck pain is an important part of corrrecting posture-related
neck pain.
Final Words
Physiotherapy features a diverse array of treatment methods for neck pain, and it may even
treat and manage other conditions including headaches and back pain. A physiotherapist’s
ability to tailor and individualize treatment plans based on the specific experiences of the
patient can make a big difference.
Because neck pain can worsen and recur if left untreated, it is important to consult a
physiotherapist as early as possible when dealing with neck pain. As they say, prevention is
always better than cure.
