You likely move your head dozens of times every day without even realizing it, from nodding your head during a meeting to turning your head to reverse your car. That’s why it can be frustrating when you feel a twinge when you turn your head.
Neck pain is a common issue that everyone experiences every once in a while. But even though it’s common, that doesn’t mean that you have to grin and bear the pain. Physical therapy can help alleviate the neck pain you feel when turning your head so that you can go through your everyday activities without rubbing your neck in discomfort.
We’ll talk about what causes neck pain when you turn your head, how physical therapy can help and potential techniques that may be included in your physical therapy treatment plan.
Possible reasons that you’re experiencing neck pain when you turn your head
Neck pain is one of the most common types of aches that you can experience. Not only do 80% of people feel neck pain in their lifetime, but up to 50% feel it on an annual basis. It can come from temporary soft tissue injuries or as a symptom of a medical condition.
Neck pain also often occurs alongside other symptoms, such as numbness and headaches. But the most common symptom is muscle tightness or stiffness, which makes it difficult to turn your head.
Here are a few potential reasons that you’re feeling neck pain when you turn your head:
- Strain — If you lift something heavy or have poor posture, it’s possible to experience a muscle or tendon strain in the neck that can cause pain and reduced range of motion. A strained muscle or tendon means that it has been overstretched or had too much pressure applied to it.
- Pinched nerve — The upper region of your spine, or the cervical spine, refers to seven vertebrae in your neck. When a vertebra or spinal disc causes a nerve to become compressed, or “pinched,” it can cause radiating pain as well as weakness or numbness. It’s also known as cervical radiculopathy.
- Arthritis — Joints in nearly any part of the body can be affected by arthritis, including the neck. Cervical spondylosis, or arthritis of the neck, refers to wear and tear that develops over time. The discs gradually break down and lose fluid, resulting in pain and reduced range of motion.
How physical therapy can help treat neck pain that flares up when you turn your head
While people often try to shrug off neck pain, it’s important to properly treat any aches that are interfering with your overall quality of life. If your neck pain is persistent or worsening, there are treatment options worth exploring. One of the best courses of action is to book an appointment with a physical therapist.
A physical therapist can not only help reduce your neck pain, but they can also improve the overall quality of the soft tissue to improve your neck’s function.
If you feel neck pain when you turn your head, a physical therapist can help:
- Alleviate pain.
- Strengthen neck muscles.
- Improve your neck’s range of motion.
- Reduce the risk of future pain or injury.
- Improve posture.
PT techniques that can help treat neck pain when you turn your head
If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening neck pain that flares up when you turn your head, it’s important that it’s treated with the safest and most effective techniques possible. A physical therapist can determine which techniques will work best for you and create a personalized treatment plan. The chosen techniques will be based on the severity and cause of your neck pain, as well as related symptoms.
Here are a few PT techniques that may be included in a treatment plan for neck pain:
- Manual therapy — Pain management is a key element of physical therapy. One of the best ways to manage your neck pain is with hands-on techniques. Manual therapy techniques involve the therapist using their hands to break up scar tissue and release painful tension.
- Therapeutic exercises — A physical therapist can walk you through exercises that will increase the strength of your neck muscles to improve your spinal support and reduce the risk of injury. They can also show you stretches that will increase the flexibility of your neck to improve its range of motion and overall function.
- Postural retraining — If poor posture is a contributing factor to your neck pain, then your physical therapist will likely include techniques in your treatment plan that focus on making gradual improvements to your posture. Techniques like postural retraining will help to reduce the strain on your neck.
Whatcom Physical Therapy can treat neck pain that occurs when turning your head
If you feel an ache in your neck every time you turn your head to the side, it’s time to see how a physical therapist can help. With the proper techniques, such as manual therapy and guided exercises, you can alleviate your neck pain when turning your head and improve its overall mobility.
Call us or request an appointment today and let us help you treat your neck pain.
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