NECK PAIN TREATMENTS in Mississauga, Etobicoke, Oakville & Burlington

Neck pain is something that is experienced by many people both young and old. Neck pain can be very debilitating and really affect a person’s quality of life. Similar to low back pain, most people will experience at least one episode of neck pain in their lifetime.

Signs and Symptoms of Neck Pain

Like other types of spinal pain, neck pain can have a widespread presentation. This is because the spine is the origin of all the nerves that supply the muscles in our body. Injury to the neck can produce irritation to the nerves that supply the muscles of the upper body and pain can be felt in many different places. Sometimes a neck injury doesn’t even produce pain in the neck and instead people experience symptoms in their shoulders, upper back and arms.

The most commonly reported signs and symptoms of a neck injury include:

• Pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back or arm
• Loss of movement of the neck
• Pins and needles, numbness or tingling sensations moving into the arm
• Headaches and/or facial pain
• Weakness in the hand or fingers
• Feeling like the neck is locked up

Anatomy of the Neck

The anatomy of the neck is very complex. There are several structures that give the neck its shape, strength and function. The bony elements of the neck are called vertebrae and they are stacked on top of each other like building blocks. There are a lot of additional structures that make up the spine including the intervertebral disc, nerves, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

Common pain conditions of the neck

There are a number of reasons why neck pain may occur. In many instances, neck pain can occur suddenly and without any obvious warnings. Some of the most common causes of sudden or acute neck pain can include:

• Trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall
• Heavy or repetitive lifting
• Weakness in the muscles surrounding the neck, shoulders and upper back
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Stress and anxiety

Some mild sprains and strains of the neck may subside within a few days. However, sometimes pain can persist for many weeks, or even months and years, depending on the nature of the injury. There may also be underlying conditions that can lead to a person experiencing chronic pain.

Whiplash

• A whiplash is a sudden forward and back movement of the neck and head in response to an impact.
• Most commonly, whiplash occurs in a motor vehicle accident, when the neck receives a sudden force from the collision.
• The forces from the impact produce sprains and strains in the soft tissue structures of the neck including the muscles, ligaments and nerves.
• Whiplash can also produce restricted range of motion, headaches and may take several weeks or months to resolve.

Disc Herniation

• The intervertebral discs provide cushioning between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers in the spine.
• A herniation means that the gel-like material inside the disc has leaked out from a tear in the outer wall of the disc.
• This gel-like material puts pressure on the surrounding nerves and structures in the neck and can cause pain, stiffness and pins and needles or numbness in the arm.
• Pain from a disc herniation can be very severe and debilitating in the acute phase of the injury.

Cervical Spondylosis and Osteoarthritis

• Spondylosis is often referred to as “wear and tear” or “aging-related changes” in the spine.
• Spondylosis can affect the size and structure of the intervertebral discs and joint spaces.
• This can also lead to osteoarthritis and the development of thinning cartilage, bone spurs and osteochondral bars.
• These types of changes can result in pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the neck.

Cervical Stenosis

• Stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canals.
• Central stenosis refers to the narrowing of the canal that holds the spinal cord.
1. This type of stenosis results in pain, weakness, loss of balance and loss of coordination in the arms and legs.
• Foraminal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the canals that hold the nerve roots.
1. This produces pain and inflammation that radiates into the arm.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Neck Pain

Physiotherapy can help manage the signs and symptoms of neck pain. A Registered Physiotherapist at PhysioNow can perform a thorough assessment of the neck and develop a treatment plan that can address the limitations.

Physiotherapy treatment may include patient education, soft tissue work, joint mobilizations and therapeutic exercise to help reduce pain and improve function of the neck. Electrotherapies and acupuncture may also be used to help with pain management. Spinal decompression is also commonly used for the treatment of foraminal spinal stenosis symptoms.

Don’t let your neck pain affect your quality of life! We have 4 locations across the communities of Mississauga, Oakville and Etobicoke to help you manage your pain. Contact PhysioNow to book your appointment and get started today!

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COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NECK PAIN TREATMENTS MISSISSAUGA, ETOBICOKE & OAKVILLE

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain can be caused by a variety of different reasons.  For example:

•  trauma like a fall or motor vehicle accident,
• poor posture,
• repetitive activities,
• bony changes like osteoarthritis
• and stress.

What is the best treatment for neck pain?

Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for neck pain.   A Physiotherapist will be able to do a combination of various treatment options to help get rid of pain and improve your quality of life.

For example,  Treatments may include:

• Manual therapy, like mobilizations and soft tissue work,
• Electrical modalities to help with the pain,
• Exercises to stretch and strengthen
•  Education so you understand why you are having neck pain
• Registered Massage Therapy can also be a wonderful treatment option for Neck pain.

Registered Massage Therapy

Is my pillow causing my neck pain?

A poor choice of pillow may be one of the causes of neck pain. Most people get about 6-8 hours of sleep a night. For example, If your pillow does not provide proper support, it will put your neck in improper postures for extended periods of time. As a result, this can either create neck pain or can make existing neck pain worse.

Can treatment be a better option than surgery for neck pain?

Surgery for neck pain is rarely done. This is because these types of surgeries do not always correct the symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Therefore, the trauma and the recovery time of the surgery is not always worth the outcome.

As a result, Physiotherapy treatment is a much better option for neck pain. It is non-invasive and can provide a lot of relief. Most times your symptoms may be eliminated very quickly!

I cannot turn my head fully to the left or right. Can physio help with my movement?

Yes, Physiotherapy can definitely help with regaining any lost movement! Your Physiotherapist will assess you determine what the source of your lost movement is. They will apply the most appropriate treatment to help that restriction. Your Physiotherapist will also provide home exercises. As a result, you can continue to maintain your movement and prevent any re-occurrences.