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Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

Neck pain is multifactorial. It has a wide range of contributing individual, biomechanical, psychological, tissue, lifestyle, and pain processing factors. The multi-faceted nature of pain can reduce quality of life and impair normal daily activities.

What is Neck Pain?

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in the United States, affecting up to 70% of people at least once in their lives, with 15% experiencing chronic neck pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?

Neck pain can vary in severity and location, with common referral to the shoulders, upper back, and even the head. If you experience persistent discomfort, physical therapy for neck pain can help address the root cause and restore function. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • General neck pain – A dull, aching, or sharp pain localized in the neck
  • Radiating arm pain, numbness, or weakness – Often caused by cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck)
  • Mid back or thoracic pain and shoulder pain – Tightness or discomfort spreading to the upper back and shoulders
  • Headaches from neck pain – Stiff neck muscles and poor posture can trigger tension headaches
  • Jaw pain or facial pain – Often associated with cervical spine dysfunction

 

Understanding Neck Pain

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages. While some cases are mild and temporary, others can lead to chronic discomfort or signal a more serious issue. Below, we break down the most common causes of neck pain and provide concrete examples to help you identify potential triggers.

Muscle Strain

Slouching puts excess strain on neck muscles, leading to stiffness and pain.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

When spinal discs in the neck rupture or bulge, they can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms.

Inflammatory & Degenerative Conditions

Conditions like cervical arthritis or stenosis can lead to stiffness, inflammation, and nerve compression. In addition to this, chronic neck pain may also stem from conditions such as meningitis or fibromyalgia.

Whiplash & Injuries

Sudden neck jerks from car accidents or falls can strain muscles and ligaments, leading to pain, headaches, and limited mobility.

Nerve and spinal cord compression

Pinched nerves in the neck can cause radiating pain, weakness, or numbness, while cervical myelopathy may affect balance and coordination.

Headaches & Jaw Pain

Stiff neck muscles, poor posture, or TMJ disorders can cause headaches and radiating jaw pain. Stress and muscle tension worsen symptoms.

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How to Relieve Neck Pain with Physical Therapy

At PT Solutions, our expert physical therapists take a personalized, hands-on approach to treating neck pain. We focus on relieving discomfort, restoring mobility, and preventing future pain or injury through evidence-based techniques, including:

  • Physical Therapy Exercises for Neck and Shoulder Pain: Targeted exercises help strengthen weak muscles in the neck, shoulder, and upper back, improving stability and reducing strain. These exercises also increase flexibility, helping to relieve tension and restore a full range of motion.
  • Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilization: Our therapists use hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness, improving mobility, and decreasing pressure on nerves that may cause radiating pain.
  • Soft Tissue Mobilization: Using specialized massage-like techniques, we reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and promote faster healing. This technique is particularly effective for tension headaches and stress-related neck pain.
  • Dry Needling & Trigger Point Therapy: If chronic muscle tightness or trigger points (knots) in the neck and shoulders are contributing to your pain, dry needling can help. This technique targets deep muscle tension, releases tight bands, and improves blood flow to the affected area for lasting relief.

What to Expect at Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

Getting Ready For PT

At PT Solutions, your neck pain treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation, where we assess posture, alignment, range of motion, flexibility, strength, and nerve function to determine the root cause of your pain. From there, we implement hands-on therapy and neck pain relief techniques, including manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and dry needling to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.

Your personalized PT for neck pain will include targeted exercises for the neck such as strengthening movements, postural correction techniques, and flexibility-focused stretches. Throughout your neck therapy journey, we monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed to ensure lasting relief and prevent future pain.

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What to Expect at Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

Getting Ready For PT

At PT Solutions, your neck pain treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation, where we assess posture, alignment, range of motion, flexibility, strength, and nerve function to determine the root cause of your pain. From there, we implement hands-on therapy and neck pain relief techniques, including manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and dry needling to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.

Your personalized PT for neck pain will include targeted exercises for the neck such as strengthening movements, postural correction techniques, and flexibility-focused stretches. Throughout your neck therapy journey, we monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed to ensure lasting relief and prevent future pain.

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Find Relief with Physical Therapy

Treatments

Dry Needling
As part of a comprehensive physical therapy program, dry needling offers stimulation for muscular and connective tissue that can bring blood flow and relieve pain.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps restore movement and manage pain after an injury, surgery or illness. It also helps people dealing with chronic conditions that affect their ability to perform everyday activities.

Vestibular Therapy
Vestibular therapy and rehabilitation will help you regain your mobility and balance and treat conditions like vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues.

Pediatric Physical Therapy
Our pediatric rehabilitation services are family-focused interventions that aim to remediate or develop the necessary skills to help your child succeed in their daily activities.

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Take the next step

Discover Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

If your neck pain persists for more than a few days, if the pain is affecting your ability to move your neck or perform daily activities, or if the pain is severe and accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, it might be time to see a physical therapist. Many cases of neck pain can be treated with PT. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations.

Find a Clinic

Take the next step

Discover Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

If your neck pain persists for more than a few days, if the pain is affecting your ability to move your neck or perform daily activities, or if the pain is severe and accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, it might be time to see a physical therapist. Many cases of neck pain can be treated with PT. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations.

Find a Clinic

Keep Learning

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain

Yes, neck pain can lead to tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. Poor posture, muscle strain, or misalignment in the cervical spine can cause tension in the neck muscles, which may radiate pain to the head. This is especially common in individuals with forward head posture, whiplash injuries, or cervical arthritis. Physical therapy can help address these underlying issues and prevent recurring headaches.

The duration of neck pain depends on the cause. Mild neck pain may improve within a few days to a week, while chronic conditions like arthritis or herniated discs may take weeks to months to manage effectively. If neck pain persists for more than two weeks, worsens over time, or includes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, it’s important to seek professional evaluation.

In cases where neck pain stems from poor posture, muscle strain, or everyday habits, adopting the right strategies can help reduce strain and discomfort. Regular exercises help improve mobility and prevent stiffness. Staying active throughout the day also helps to prevent stiffness and muscle tightness.

For those with underlying conditions such as arthritis, herniated discs, or nerve-related issues, completely preventing neck pain may not be possible. However, these approaches can help alleviate discomfort and improve mobility:

  • Apply heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles.
  • Incorporate gentle stretching and mobility exercises to maintain flexibility without straining the neck.
  • Work with a physical therapist to create a treatment plan that may include posture training, manual therapy, exercises, or pain management strategies.

For mild to moderate neck pain, start with a primary care doctor, who can assess your symptoms and recommend treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed. There are a few kinds of specialists that your primary care doctor might recommend specifically for neck pain issues.

A physical therapist can help with posture, mobility, and pain relief, and if your symptoms include numbness or tingling, a neurological rehabilitation plan may be recommended to help improve function and reduce discomfort. In cases of mild to moderate neck pain, patients have the option of contacting a physical therapist directly to get immediate treatment (depending on state regulations). Your physical therapist will assess your condition before moving forward with treatment.

If the pain is due to arthritis, a herniated disc, or spinal issues, an orthopedic doctor or rheumatologist may be needed. Seek emergency care for severe pain after an injury, weakness, or loss of coordination.

Yes, while most cases of neck pain are due to muscle strain, poor posture, or minor injuries, persistent or severe neck pain can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. You should seek medical attention if your neck pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

  • Pain that worsens over time or does not improve with rest or treatment
  • Radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands
  • Severe headaches, dizziness, or balance issues
    Loss of bladder or bowel control

If your neck pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens, or comes with neurological symptoms, see a physical therapist.

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