Neck pain from injuries like whiplash or degenerative conditions like arthritis can leave you unable to function normally. If you've got constant or severe neck pain, expert physical therapy reduces your symptoms and helps damaged tissues to heal. Based in Livingston, New Jersey, Elizabeth Lee, PT, DPT, and Noel Punzalan PT and the team at Life Home Therapy provide home visits to patients across Essex County, Morris County, Union County, Somerset County, and Passaic County who are struggling because of neck pain. To benefit from their expertise, call Life Home Therapy today to schedule a home visit or book an appointment online.
Neck pain can develop for many reasons. One common cause of neck pain is poor posture — slumping or slouching when you sit down or hunching over a keyboard all day, for example. Sleeping in an awkward position can also cause neck pain, as can making the same movements repeatedly.
Auto accidents often cause whiplash injuries to the neck, where the weight of your head goes forward and down so violently on impact that it stretches or tears the connective tissues in your cervical spine. Sports injuries can also cause damage to your neck.
In addition to acute and overuse injuries, there are various diseases that can cause neck pain. Most of these are degenerative conditions, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Herniated or bulging cervical discs are also a frequent cause of neck pain.
If you have symptoms of an internal disease alongside your neck pain, such as a fever, it's a good idea to see your primary care provider. They can make sure there's no infection or other problem – meningitis, for instance, can cause neck pain.
If your neck pain is musculoskeletal and reasonably mild, a few days' rest, gentle movement and massage, and applying hot and cold compresses are often all you need to resolve the problem. However, if your pain is more severe or persists longer than a couple of days, you should contact Life Home Therapy.
Treating neck pain correctly depends on locating the source of the problem. Dr. Lee and Dr. Punzalan conduct a physical exam, find out about your symptoms, and review your medical history to see what might be responsible for your pain.
They may also need to see X-rays or other diagnostic imaging scans to confirm your diagnosis and evaluate the nature of the damage.
How does physical therapy help with neck pain?
Following an evaluation and review of the diagnostic images, Dr. Lee creates a personalized treatment program for your neck pain that may include:
Dr. Lee can also provide advice on any changes you need to make, such as reviewing the ergonomics of your workstation to make sure you're correctly aligned or adapting the techniques you use when playing sports or working.
These treatments are often so effective that patients can reduce or even eliminate the need for medication and avoid procedures like epidural steroid injections and surgery.
For expert evaluation and effective treatment of your neck pain, call Life Home Therapy today or book an appointment online.
