Many people experience chronic neck pain and back pain as a result of numerous factors: constantly looking down at our smartphones, sitting at desks all day, sports injuries, and more. Pain in these two areas is quite common, but that doesn’t mean it has to be permanent! Right?
If you’re wondering, “Is receiving physiotherapy for neck pain or back pain worth it?” The short answer is, yes! Visiting a physiotherapist for such issues in your neck or back is an important step in your journey to becoming pain-free.
If you’re currently in this situation, there is something you can do about it. Stay tuned throughout this blog to learn about what you can expect when receiving physiotherapy treatment for neck and back pain.
What to Expect with Physiotherapy for Neck Pain & Back Pain?
A physical therapist is skilled in assessing and treating neck or back conditions and can guide you through tailored exercises aimed at your recovery. These sessions may cover:
- Exercises for flexibility
- Muscle strengthening workouts
- Gentle aerobic exercises
- Hands-on therapy techniques
- Use of electrical therapy for pain relief
This approach helps manage pain effectively, promote healing, and enhance mobility through professional guidance and personalized exercise programs.
Physiotherapy Techniques Used for Neck & Body Pain
Physiotherapy is highly effective for managing back and neck pain. After a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist will outline a customized treatment plan. Here’s a closer look at some common physiotherapy techniques and their benefits:
Strengthening Exercises: These exercises help build the muscles around your spine, providing better support and reducing the likelihood of future pain. Stronger muscles can also improve posture and balance.
Exercises to Increase Range of Motion: These movements aim to enhance flexibility in your back and neck, making daily activities easier and reducing stiffness.
Motor-Control Exercises: Focus on improving the coordination of muscles that support your spine. Better muscle control can prevent awkward movements that might cause pain.
Spinal Mobilisations: Gentle movements are applied to the spine to increase mobility, reduce pain, and promote the healing of spinal tissues.
Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area increases blood flow, which aids in the healing process and relaxes tight muscles, offering immediate pain relief.
Soft Tissue Work: Manual techniques applied to muscles and ligaments to relieve tension, increase circulation, and improve flexibility in the back and neck areas.
Identifying Symptoms of Neck & Back Pain
Most people ignore mild pain in the neck or back. Nevertheless, it’s better to remain vigilant and determine when to reach out for help. Look out for the symptoms that are listed below. If you are experiencing them, a physiotherapy consult may be the right choice for you.
- Stiffness in the affected area
- Persistent pain
- Muscle spasms
- Sensitivity around the spinal region, whether in the neck or back
- Reduced strength and functionality
- Headaches, often linked to neck issues
- Pain radiating to the legs (for back issues) or arms (for neck issues)
How to Locate Pain Types for Effective Physiotherapy Treatment?
Having the ability to accurately describe your pain makes it easier to provide tailored therapy sessions. Use the following as a guide:
- Sharp or intense
- Stabbing sensations
- Feeling of pinching
- Burning feeling
- Sensation of pins and needles
- Dullness or numbness
- A persistent deep ache
While many neck and back pain instances can be effectively managed through physiotherapy treatment, it’s crucial to pinpoint the cause accurately. Although most neck and back pains are non-serious and respond well to physical therapy, certain conditions might require immediate medical attention. This highlights the importance of getting a precise evaluation from a physiotherapist to ensure the most suitable treatment plan is provided.
What Are the Causes of Back Pain & Neck Pain?
Recognizing that identifying the source of discomfort can be challenging, we’ve compiled a list of frequently observed reasons for neck or back pain. Your discomfort may stem from:
Improper Posture: Spending long hours in front of a computer or looking down at your phone can strain your neck and back muscles.
Muscle Strain: Overexertion, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, or sudden movements can lead to muscle strains ranging from mild to severe.
Aging: Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis become more common with age, leading to neck, back, and other pains.
Injuries: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause whiplash, fractures, or other injuries to the spine. When not given time to heal, this can become chronic.
Herniated Discs: Mostly caused by putting too much pressure on your back. The discs between the vertebrae can bulge or rupture, pressing on nerves and causing pain.
Repetitive Motions: Repeating the same motion without breaks over time can stress the spine and surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise can weaken the muscles supporting the spine, consequently leading to back pain, especially in the lower back.
Stress: Tension and stress can cause muscles to become tight and painful, often making them worse, especially in the neck and back.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Neck Pain & Back Pain
Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored exercises and therapies to address individual neck and back pain issues.
Pain Relief: Techniques and exercises designed to reduce discomfort and effectively manage pain at all levels.
Improved Mobility: Activities that enhance flexibility, build strength and promote movement in the neck and back.
Muscle Strengthening: Focused exercises to build strength in areas supporting the neck and spine.
Posture Correction: Guidance and exercises on proper posture to prevent strain and pain in the neck and back.
Flexibility Exercises: Neck and back movements aim to increase the range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Spinal Health Maintenance: Strategies to keep the spine healthy and prevent future pain episodes.
Quality of Life Enhancement: Overall improvement in daily lifestyle through reduced pain and increased mobility
Conclusion
Physiotherapy for neck pain and back pain involves various techniques like exercises, stretching, massage, and more to alleviate discomfort. You can expect your physiotherapist to offer personalized exercises and manual therapy to relieve pain and enhance joint mobility.
At Bridgwater Physiotherapy, we prioritize your health by offering one-on-one sessions with experienced physiotherapists. Our healthcare professionals conduct thorough assessments and provide treatment on your very first session! Contact us to schedule your appointment with us today.
