Alleviate Persistent Neck Pain With Physical Therapy
December 2024 Newsletter
Have you ever had one of those days at work or school when your neck just won’t stop bothering you? Or maybe turning your head to check for cars is difficult or painful. Neck pain can really impact your day and make life less enjoyable. Good news! At Breckenridge Physical Therapy, we’ve got a team that knows just how to help you feel better and give you tips to keep the pain away.
Most of the time, neck pain happens because there’s something wrong with a muscle or joint. Figuring out what the real source is can be difficult, but with the help of our experienced therapists, you can get to the root of your problems, and more importantly, get the solutions you’re looking for.
Our therapists will use treatments like specific stretches, hands-on techniques, and strength exercises that are tailored for immediate and lasting relief. Our ultimate goal? To help you return to a life you can enjoy to the fullest.
Take action today! Request an appointment and set the wheels in motion for the lasting relief you deserve.
Source of Neck Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Neck pain is a multifaceted condition, and its origins can vary widely from person to person. Whether your discomfort starts from an unfortunate car accident or something that seems insignificant, like maintaining an improper posture while working at your desk, our team can help.
What may appear to be a minor issue, such as a recurring crick in your neck, could potentially develop into a chronic issue that disrupts your daily life.
For some individuals, the issue lies deeper within the structure of the spine (for example, changes to the discs, the cushions between vertebrae). Disc degeneration can lead to pain and difficulty moving the neck, whereas problems such as bulging or herniated discs can be particularly painful and can even lead to nerve compression. This often results in additional symptoms such as sharp, radiating pain or numbness extending into the shoulders or arms.
Luckily, our physical therapists are skilled at identifying these contributing factors and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored to alleviate your specific symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Your Pathway to Relief
We’ll start with a comprehensive evaluation, including gathering as much information about your health, previous history of neck pain, and information about your most recent episode.
Next, we’ll conduct a physical examination, including a hands-on assessment of your neck and upper back muscles. We’ll assess your posture and movement patterns to identify any restrictions or limitations contributing to your pain.
Our treatment programs are built on several key elements, all aimed at facilitating the health of your neck:
- Posture Correction: Poor posture is a significant contributor to neck pain. Working with you, our therapists will guide you through the steps to correct your posture, effectively alleviating muscle strain on your neck and shoulders.
- Hands-on Therapy and Custom Exercises: Our expert therapists use specialized manual treatments to free up restrictions and alleviate tension in soft tissues. We’ll also develop personalized exercise routines aimed at targeting the source of your pain to improve mobility and strength.
- Ergonomic Evaluation: Our therapists will provide practical recommendations for your work and home environments that can help minimize any physical strain on your neck and shoulders. We will also introduce you to stress-minimizing methods that can be seamlessly integrated into your work life.
We are committed to working closely with you to craft effective, proactive programs to restore mobility and contribute to overall well-being.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Neck?
Don’t let neck pain hold you back any longer. At Breckenridge Physical Therapy, our team of experts is here to give you the personalized help you need to feel better and stay that way. Let’s work together to create a plan that fits you perfectly.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our amazing physical therapists and start your journey to a more comfortable, pain-free life!
Patient
Success Story
“Justin and his team are quite wonderful. They don’t only do protocol on exercises for your injury, but are attentive to how our body is connected — aware of what other parts might affect your physical condition. Over the last decade…they have helped me through two knee replacements, two rotator cuff surgeries, a groin pull, a hamstring injury, neck issues, and a left reverse shoulder replacement. Visit these guys to help you get back to the things you love to do! You will be happy you did. Love life!”
— Jill A.
Unconventional Yet Effective Solutions for Neck Pain
Do you ever wake up with a stiff neck and wonder why it keeps happening? You’re not alone. Neck pain is pretty common, and it can be super annoying. But guess what? There are solutions, including some more unusual ones you may not have heard about yet.
Our therapists at Breckenridge Physical Therapy use cutting-edge approaches to ensure you find the most effective ways to find lasting relief!
How to Help Your Neck Pain — Tips You May Not Know
Tackling neck pain is not just about focusing on the neck itself. By implementing these unconventional yet scientifically-backed recommendations into your daily routine, you’re setting yourself on a path toward relief and lasting wellness.
Lumbar Support Can Alleviate Neck Pain
The way your lower back is positioned has a big effect on your neck. Using lumbar support can help you sit up straight, letting your neck sit over your shoulders like it should.
When you know you will be sitting for a while, whether at work or in the car, use a rolled-up towel or buy a lumbar roll to put in your lower back. Even though you’re changing the lower back position, your neck will thank you!
Why Thoracic Mobility Matters
The thoracic spine consists of the 12 vertebrae in your mid-back. It plays a critical role in your overall spinal function. When this area is stiff or restricted, your neck compensates by moving more than it should. This often leads to a forward head posture, which can strain the neck muscles and lead to long-term pain.
Mind-Body Connection
Believe it or not, the state of your mind can also help heal your neck pain. Research has shown that stress can intensify pain, so techniques like mindfulness and breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels. Just a few minutes a day of deep breathing can go a long way.
Using unconventional techniques like lumbar support, thoracic mobility exercises, and even mindfulness can help you feel better faster. Why not give these unconventional methods a try? Your neck will be happier for it!
Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe
Roasted Root Vegetables
- 12 oz rutabaga, peeled & cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 8 oz celery root, peeled & cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz peeled baby carrots
- 8 oz fingerling potatoes
- 3 medium parsnips, peeled & cut into 1-inch-thick slices
- 1 medium fennel bulb, cored & cut into
- thin wedges
- 2 shallots, peeled & cut into thin wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine rutabaga, celery root, baby carrots, fingerling potatoes, parsnips, fennel, and shallots in a shallow roasting pan. Add oil, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Bake, uncovered, about 10 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Exercise of the Month
Sitting Cervical Side-Bending Right with Overpressure
Start by sitting upright in a chair with your lower back supported. Tuck in the chin to straighten the neck. Place your right hand over the top of your head, with fingers pointed towards the ear. Keep your left hand on the back of the neck as support. Bend your neck to the right, allowing your right hand to assist you in going deeper into the motion. Hold for 3 seconds.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Justin Welch
PT, DPT, C-PS
Dr. Ellie Allan
PT, DPT, C-PS
Dr. Alexander Kuck
PT, DPT, C-PS
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
