Top 5 Reasons to See a Physical Therapist for Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common area of complaint for the physical therapy patient. It can originate from trauma, poor posture, changes to the vertebrae due to aging, among other reasons. Neck pain can be acute or become chronic when left untreated. It can also be localized or travel into the upper back, arms, or even hands.
For managing neck pain, the strongest evidence is for exercise(1). Physical Therapists have a detailed understanding of the cervical spine, related pain mechanisms, and exercise prescription, which makes them well placed to be the experts to help individuals with neck pain return to normal function, therefore reducing this global burden of neck pain(2). Neck pain can be multifactorial and complicated to treat, but with a proper evaluation can be treatable with physical therapy.
So when should you see a physical therapist for your neck pain?
1. When you’ve had an injury to your neck. Once cleared by your doctor, getting into physical therapy soon after symptoms arise gives the best chance of a speedy recovery. Make sure to bring any imaging reports or useful information for the physical therapist.
2. When symptoms radiate away from the neck. This typically indicates nerves are involved, and it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. Radiating symptoms can travel into the upper back, arms or even hands. They can be a shooting pain, numbness, or tingling.
3. When symptoms persist for a long time. Symptoms lasting more than 4-6 weeks would have healed on their own if they were going to. It’s time to get them checked out. The longer the symptoms remain, the more challenging it will be to recover.
4. When motion is limited. When you have lost the ability to fully turn your head, look up or look down, or tilt your head side to side. This can affect your daily life, especially with driving. Any loss of function is an indicator to seek treatment.
5. When pain limits function. If your range of motion is normal, but pain limits you from your daily activities, recreational activities, or sleeping, it is time to seek physical therapy.
Although these are the most common reasons to get a neck evaluation, there are likely other reasons that could also indicate the need for assessment. Conservative treatment is always a good place to start.
Written By - Jamie Clausen, DTP
Originally from San Jose, California, Jamie graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School, where she played one year of soccer before needing three ankle surgeries. This kick started her love and passion for physical therapy. She graduated from Samuel Merritt University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2012. Jamie has a special love of baking, the outdoors, spending time with her husband and son, and cheering for all the local teams - Sharks, Warriors, and Earthquakes. She has primarily worked in an outpatient orthopedic setting serving a diverse population - post-op, gait/balance deficits, weekend warriors, and general orthopedic pain/limitations. She uses a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education to work with each patient to achieve their goals. Jamie is trained in myofascial decompression and kinesiotaping which she can incorporate into her treatments.
References
1. Cohen SP, Hooten WM. Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. BMJ. 2017 Aug 14;358:j3221
2. Jette A, Delitto A: Physical therapy treatment choices for musculoskeletal impairments, Phys Ther 77(2):145–154, 1997.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-working-at-home-using-laptop-4050291/