Neck Pain

Neck Pain Relief in Loveland, CO

As you sit at the computer, does your neck ache? Do you have pain that radiates down your arm? Do you find yourself rubbing your neck, trying to reduce the discomfort or reacting to a sudden pain? You don’t have to live with that annoying and distracting neck pain.

Neck pain is very common. It is estimated that about 1 in 3 people are affected once a year – women more often than men. From poor posture while sitting at a desk to injuries such as whiplash, the causes of neck pain are diverse. Understanding the root cause is essential to effective treatment.

Neck Pain Causes

Neck pain can stem from a myriad of sources—whether it’s long hours at the desk, an old sports injury, or the wear and tear of daily life, a motor vehicle accident, each cause brings its own set of challenges. This variability underscores the importance of a professional evaluation by a physical therapist. Even if you don’t know the exact cause of you neck pain, Northern Colorado Spine and Sport is here to help.

Common Causes of Neck pain

Muscle Strains: Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone, often triggers muscle strains.
Bulging discs: The liquid inner portion of the disc (nucleus) can press against nerves and other sensitive nervous tissue causing pain, numbness or weakness in the upper body.
Arthritis: Just like the other joints in your body, your neck joints tend to wear down with age, which can cause pain.
Nerve Compression: Herniated discs or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
Injuries: Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.

Signs and Symptoms of Neck Pain and Dysfunction

Recognizing the signs of neck pain and associated symptoms is key to seeking timely treatment. Symptoms include:

Persistent pain that is often worsened by holding your head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer.
Muscle tightness and spasms either in the neck, shoulder blade and or upper shoulder.
Decreased ability to move your head.
Headaches, especially at the back of the head.
Tingling or numbness that radiates down into the shoulders or arms.

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain: A Proven Approach

At Northern Colorado Spine and Sport, our approach to neck therapy integrates a variety of treatments tailored to address the specific causes and symptoms of your neck pain. Our treatments may include:

Manual Therapy: Techniques such as dry needling, mobilization, soft tissue therapy and manipulation to relieve pain and improve movement.

Exercise Therapy: Custom exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve mobility or the neck / upper back, and decrease tension on nerves. We pride ourselves in teaching our patients ways to keep the neck mobile and pain free for years to come.

Posture Training: Guidance on proper posture to reduce the strain on your neck during daily activities. Poor posture can put excess strain on the neck and leave you vulnerable for a disc injury in the future. Here at Northern Colorado Spine and Sport we will educate you about all the benefits proper posture can have to eliminate your neck pain.
Ergonomic Adjustments: Recommendations for workplace and home setups that support spinal health. Most adults in the U.S sit from 4-12 hours per day during the work week. Making sure your office space is set up with proper ergonomic sitting posture is crucial for 100% recovery from your neck pain.

FAQs About Neck Pain

What lifestyle changes can help with neck pain?

Adjusting your workspace ergonomics, taking frequent breaks from prolonged sitting, and incorporating gentle stretches throughout the day can significantly reduce symptoms.

How often do I need to attend physical therapy sessions for neck pain?

The frequency of sessions will depend on the severity of your pain and the specific treatment plan developed by your therapist. Initially, you might start with 1-2 sessions per week, which could gradually decrease as you improve.

Can physical therapy completely cure neck pain?

While physical therapy is highly effective at reducing and managing neck pain, individual results can vary depending on the underlying cause and the patient’s adherence to the treatment plan. At Northern Colorado Spine and Sport, out blend of manual therapy, posture education and corrective exercise will get you’re your neck feeling better than ever and back to the activities you love most.

Ready to Find Neck Pain Relief?

Don't let neck pain limit your life. Contact Northern Colorado Spine and Sport today at 970-329-5481 to schedule your appointment. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to guide you back to a pain-free lifestyle. Call now and take the first step towards effective neck pain relief.