Pain, weakness or dysfunction of neck, possibly including weakness or paresthesia in the shoulders or arms.

 

Common symptoms can include:

– Trouble bending, extending, or turning your head

– Headaches

– Tingling, numbness, or burning in hands (neck issue)

– General stiffness or loss of motion

– Pain or throbbing at rest

– Trouble sleeping

– Sensations spasm or cramping

– Weakness or control issues of legs or arm

– Swelling or tenderness to touch

– Neck or head pain

– Trouble reading, looking at the computer, etc.

 

The cervical spine is the most mobile and responsible not just for holding up our head, but also for providing a stable base for upper quadrant (arms, head, upper back) function.

 

Common causes of spine problems include:

– Disc bulges/slippage or herniation

– Pinched nerves

– Muscle strains

– Facet joint sprains

– Arthritis

– Muscle spasms

– Bone slippage (listhesis)

– Scar tissue from past injuries or surgeries

– And many more…

 

Physical therapy can help with all of these things and more. *Even if you have been told you have herniated or slipped disc, bone slippage, been told you need surgery or have had surgery in the past. * Nearly anyone can expect to see at least partial improvement.

 

Most patients are pleasantly surprised to find just how much pain free function they can regain with conservative treatment, even returning to sports and heavy labor. Physical therapy may help you avoid surgery, injections, additional medications, and other more invasive procedures. Even if more invasive procedures eventually become necessary, physical therapy prior to those interventions often improves the outcome.

 

Physical therapy treatment may include:

 

Therapists are trained unlike any other profession with knowledge and skills to specifically identify damaged or malfunctioning structures, how to help them heal naturally where able, and how to help the body accommodate and adapt where necessary.

 

Interesting spine facts:

– Many of us have arthritis and disc issues that look terrible on x-rays or MRIs, but cause us no problems

– Humans have 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae and 5 lumbar (low back) vertebrae. Most of our spinal movement happens in these two areas. Our 12 thoracic (chest) vertebrae have somewhat limited movement due to the ribs, the 5 sacral vertebrae are fused to form the middle of the pelvis.

 

Reminder:

The longer you wait, the more complex a problem can become. Call us or book your appointment online today! The sooner the better. Remember, you do not need a referral from any other doctors and your insurance will still be accepted just the same as at any other medical appointment. Don’t delay, see us about naturally encouraging your body to heal itself without drugs, injections, or surgeries you may not need.