According to a 2016 report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 14% of U.S. adults experience some form of neck pain every year. This means that if you’re experiencing neck pain, you’re definitely not alone. One type of treatment that may be especially effective for this type of pain is physical therapy. In fact, there are two reasons you may need to seek physical therapy for neck pain. 

1. Cervical disc problems

The cervical spine is the name given to the vertebrae that make up your neck. One issue that may cause you to seek physical therapy for neck pain is cervical disc problems. A spinal disc is a structure that acts like a pillow between two vertebrae in your spine. These discs have a tough outside and a spongy, gel-like interior. 

One issue that may affect your cervical discs is disc degeneration. Disc degeneration is a natural result of aging, and it typically involves the discs becoming thinner. This increasing thinness causes the spaces between the neck vertebrae to grow smaller. In turn, the smaller amount of space between vertebrae make it more likely that a cervical nerve will become pinched and cause you pain.

Another cervical disc problem that may lead to neck pain is a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the tough outer shell of a disc is torn or damaged. This damage and the normal pressure placed on the disc may cause the gel-like interior to poke out of the disc or herniate. The herniated material may then rub against spinal nerves, and this may cause irritation and neck pain. 

2. Stress-based issues

Many people have a job or lifestyle that exposes them to high levels of stress. Unfortunately, high levels of stress can lead to issues that may make physical therapy for neck pain a necessity.

For example, high stress typically causes tension to develop in the muscles of your neck. This tension can create a number of other difficulties that may lead to neck pain. For one thing, tense muscles tend to restrict the blood flow to your neck. Muscle tension may also lead to a pinched cervical nerve, and either of these issues could result in neck pain. 

Continuum Wellness can help you with the physical therapy you need for neck pain

At Continuum Wellness, our team has a wealth of experience helping patients find the physical therapy they need for neck pain. The first thing we’ll do to help you is to perform an initial evaluation. This will help us determine what’s causing your neck pain. Then, our team will create a personalized physical therapy plan for you, and this plan may include therapy methods such as:

• Targeted strengthening exercises
• Therapeutic stretches
• Manual therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Ergonomic recommendations

If you live in Apache Junction, Arizona, and you’re suffering from neck pain, Continuum Wellness is here to help you. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.