Head and Neck Pain

Dealing with head and neck pain isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also be scary. We all know how important it is to protect our spine and brain, and we all know the potential risks of a serious injury in either of those areas: disability, paralysis, or even death.

That’s why, if you are suffering from head or neck pain, it’s important to get professional help sooner rather than later. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis to find out the cause of your pain, whether that be whiplash, a concussion, or something else entirely.

For many conditions, the best head and neck pain treatment is physical therapy. If you’re experiencing pain due to any of the issues below, schedule an appointment with Mid-County Physical Therapy to get the help you need.

Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD)

The term “whiplash-associated disorder” is used to describe the clinical manifestations of a whiplash injury – which occurs when an “acceleration-deceleration” force is applied on the neck. The neck is injured by a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head – straining the muscles and ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.

While many associate the occurrence of WAD with car accidents, it can occur in any mishap when an acceleration-deceleration force is applied on the neck – for example, in a diving accident, on roller coasters, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the neck, head, shoulder, and arms
• Pain and stiffness in the neck – muscles may feel knotted and stiff
• Pain when moving head from side-to-side, front-to-back, and rotation
• Tenderness
• Headaches

Neck Pain

Our necks are exposed to a lot of stress. Often, people experience pain in this region caused by a number of different factors. The pain may begin in any of the structures in the neck (muscles, nerves, vertebrae, and the disks between them, etc.) and can radiate down to the back and arms. Pain can also be radiated from other areas like the shoulder, jaw, head, or upper arms.

A common cause of neck pain is muscle strain or tension – and everyday activities are the culprit. Being bent over a desk all day, poor posture while reading or watching TV, or sleeping in an awkward position can all be causes. It can also be caused by more serious incidents, like falls or accidents. Other causes may include a cervical herniated disk, arthritis, and meningitis.

Symptoms:

• Stiffness and soreness of the neck
• Headaches
• Difficulty moving head
• Pain that spreads to shoulders, arms, or back
• If neck pain involves nerves, you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm, hand, or elsewhere

Get the Head and Neck Pain Treatment You Need Now

If you’re struggling with head and neck pain, don’t wait; seek help from a trained medical professional as soon as possible. No matter how serious your injury or condition is, starting a head and neck pain treatment plan can not only provide the relief and rehabilitation you’re looking for it can also help prevent more severe issues from developing.

Mid-County Physical Therapy’s neck and back program features some of the best physical therapists in the area. We are committed to helping every single patient achieve the best possible results through careful treatment of the root causes of their pain, not just the symptoms.

For more information, come to Mid-County Physical Therapy today!