Do you ever find yourself rubbing your neck after a long day at work? Neck pain is one of the more common complaints we see at Professional Care because it can develop from small, everyday movements and posture that you don’t think much about.

Regardless of why it happens, neck pain can quickly interfere with daily tasks, like turning your head to check for incoming traffic. Sometimes, neck issues can even radiate outward, leading to headaches or symptoms in your upper extremities.

Fortunately, the team at Professional Care has plenty of experience helping our patients address the various challenges of neck pain. By providing both physical and occupational/hand therapy services, we ensure you receive comprehensive care–and get the relief you need.

Why Does Neck Pain Develop?

Your cervical spine (which makes up your neck) includes seven vertebrae supported by muscles, ligaments, and nerves. When any of these tissues become irritated, inflamed, or damaged, you can develop a wide range of different symptoms.

There are several reasons you might damage the tissues in your cervical spine. Here are some of the most common:

• Muscle strain from poor posture, especially from prolonged use of phones or computers

• Degenerative conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease, both of which can reduce cushioning between the vertebrae

• Nerve compression from a herniated disc or bone spur

• Injuries, such as whiplash or falls, that damage the cervical spine

• Shoulder dysfunction, which can change neck alignment and lead to muscle overuse

When Neck Pain Isn’t Just Neck Pain

It’s important to remember that neck pain doesn’t always stay isolated. For example, muscle tension and strain in your neck and shoulders can sometimes radiate into your head, causing what’s known as a cervicogenic headache. 

Issues with your cervical spinal discs can also cause symptoms to radiate into your shoulders, arms, and hands. This occurs when problems in your cervical spine irritate one of the nerves that travel from your neck into your upper extremities, leading to symptoms such as:

• Tingling or numbness in the arms or fingers

• Muscle weakness in the hands or forearms

• Shooting pain down the arm

This interconnectivity can also go the other way. Shoulder problems like rotator cuff injuries or a frozen shoulder can sometimes cause symptoms in the neck. When shoulder movement becomes restricted, the neck muscles often work harder to compensate, causing strain, tightness, and discomfort to develop in the upper spine.

A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Neck Pain

At Professional Care, we take a patient-first, hands-on approach to treating neck pain. We tailor our treatment programs based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals. 

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Relief

Our physical therapists will work closely with you to resolve the underlying source of your neck pain–whether it’s a soft tissue injury, a problem with a cervical disc, or the result of poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle. We offer several techniques, including the following:

• Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and discomfort in your neck

• Modalities like ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation to ease pain and promote healing

• Therapeutic exercise to strengthen supporting neck and shoulder muscles

• Postural correction to reduce strain caused by sitting or repetitive motions

• Neuromuscular re-education to improve movement patterns and reduce tension

Occupational Therapy for Neck Pain Relief

Our certified hand and occupational therapists focus on issues specifically related to your upper extremities. If your neck pain is radiating down into your arms, hands, and fingers, we can help you manage your symptoms through techniques such as:

• Posture and body mechanics education on proper posture during sitting, standing, sleeping, and performing daily tasks 

• Ergonomic assessments to identify how your work or home setup may be contributing to your symptoms

• Minor adjustments, like teaching alternative ways to move  and changing habits to help reduce unnecessary strain on the neck and shoulders