Neck
The neck has significant amount of movement and supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that cause pain and restrict movement. For several people, neck pain is a temporary condition that goes away in time. Others need medical diagnosis an treatment to relieve their symptoms.
At ADM Ottawa Physiotherapy, our team of registered physiotherapists have experience in treating a wide range of neck injuries. If you’re experiencing neck pain in Ottawa, we can help.
Are you experiencing neck pain? Here’s a good start to what you need to know!
The neck has a significant amount of movement and supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that cause pain and restrict movement. For several people, neck pain is a temporary condition that goes away in time. Others need medical diagnosis and treatment — such as physiotherapy — to relieve their symptoms.
Types of Neck Pain
Neck pain comes in all shapes and sizes and there are various different types. These include:
1. Axial Pain
Axial pain, or mechanical pain, is generally isolated to one part of the neck. It may feel dull, throbbing, or achy. You may feel it more when you move your neck a certain way or touch it. Typically, a sprain or strain causes axial neck pain.
2. Radicular Pain
Radicular pain is neural pain. This happens when a nerve at the neck becomes irritated or inflamed. This may result in pain that radiates down your shoulder and arm. It may also feel intense at times or like a searing sensation. Usually, you experience this type of pain only on one side of the neck. Yet, it can happen on both.
3. Referred Pain
Referred pain is pain that is located away from its original source and is not neural pain. It might feel like an ache, throbbing, cramping, or deep sensation. It’s further often over a wide area. An example of referred pain includes ear pain caused by jaw issues.
What Causes Neck Pain?
So, what causes neck pain? Why does axial, radicular and referred neck pain happen?
Axial neck pain is often from a sprain or strain, or a muscle spasm. A headache may also cause pain in the neck, which is referred pain. Other common causes of neck pain include:
Cervical Disc or Spinal Degeneration
Facet Joint Dysfunction
Trauma
Bone Fracture
Bone Spurs
Herniated Discs
At ADM Ottawa Physiotherapy, our team finds the root cause of your pain. From there, we determine a treatment plan unique to you and your situation. Ultimately, we aim to help you feel better, as well as prevent future incidents of neck pain.
Treating Your Neck Pain in Ottawa, Ontario
Treatment of your neck pain depends on what is causing your pain in the first place. The cause of your pain is determined during your initial assessment with one of our physiotherapists.
Common treatment methods used a ADM Ottawa Physiotherapy include:
Manual Therapy:
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- Manual therapy involves kneading and manipulation of the tissues, including the muscles, bones and joints. Sometimes, neck pain is caused by compression of the vertebrae. Certain techniques can help create space between the vertebrae joints, reducing your pain.
Ice or Heat Therapy: Ice and heat can help reduce your pain, as well as accelerate healing.
Exercises: Your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises to help alleviate and prevent your neck pain. These exercises may include strengthening movements, as well as stretches.
Other Modalities: Acupuncture and other machine modalities may be used to further reduce your pain and promote recovery.
Contact Us: (613) 820-8765
Are you dealing with neck pain? Get in touch with ADM Ottawa Physiotherapy to start your journey toward a pain-free life. Our team is experienced in alleviating neck pain, as well as determining what’s causing it in the first place. Contact us today and start living a healthier and happier life – without pain standing in your way!