Alleviate Persistent Neck Pain With Physical Therapy

Alleviate Persistent Neck Pain With Physical Therapy

Have you ever had one of those days at work or school when your neck just won’t stop bothering you? Or maybe turning your head to check for cars is difficult or painful. Neck pain can really impact your day and make life less enjoyable. Good news! At ProActive, we’ve got a team that knows just how to help you feel better and give you tips to keep the pain away.

Most of the time, neck pain happens because there’s something wrong with a muscle or joint. Figuring out what the real source is can be difficult, but with the help of our experienced therapists, you can get to the root of your problems, and more importantly, get the solutions you’re looking for. 

Our therapists will use treatments like specific stretches, hands-on techniques, and strength exercises that are tailored for immediate and lasting relief. Our ultimate goal? To help you return to a life you can enjoy to the fullest.

Take action today! Request an appointment and set the wheels in motion for the lasting relief you deserve.

Patient Success Spotlight

“My time spent here rehabbing after a total knee replacement was phenomenal. I cannot say enough good things about my therapist Drew, he was a great coach and cheerleader during my entire recovery. Every staff member that I interacted with was as friendly and as professional as they could be. It made all of the difference in my recovery and attitude towards going to therapy. If I need therapy again I look forward to returning in the future.” – P.W.

Source of Neck Pain: Causes and Symptoms

Neck pain is a multifaceted condition, and its origins can vary widely from person to person. Whether your discomfort starts from an unfortunate car accident or something that seems insignificant, like maintaining an improper posture while working at your desk, our team can help.  What may appear to be a minor issue, such as a recurring crick in your neck, could potentially develop into a chronic issue that disrupts your daily life.

For some individuals, the issue lies deeper within the structure of the spine (for example, changes to the discs, and the cushions between vertebrae). Disc degeneration can lead to pain and difficulty moving the neck, whereas problems such as bulging or herniated discs can be particularly painful and can even lead to nerve compression. This often results in additional symptoms such as sharp, radiating pain or numbness extending into the shoulders or arms. Luckily, our physical therapists are skilled at identifying these contributing factors and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored to alleviate your specific symptoms.

Request Appointment

Staff Spotlight: Ashton Johnson

PT | Sheridan Physical Therapy

Ashton and her husband are current residents of Sheridan. She graduated from UCA in 2023 and joined our team in August of 2023. Ashton loves spending time outside, hunting, fishing and just spending time with her husband and family. One day she would love to go sky diving! She is a current member of First Landmark Baptist Church, where she loves getting to fellowship with her church family. Ashton loves being a Physical Therapist. She says getting to help people feel better and meet their goals is one of the most rewarding opportunities.

Cucumber Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Pinch salt
• Pinch pepper

Salad

• 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, and thinly sliced, then diced
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
• Optional: fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld together while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Start by peeling a washed cucumber. Use a fork to scrape the skin up and down a few times to create a textured surface. Slice the cucumber thinly and then dice it into small pieces. Place the diced cucumber in a medium-sized bowl.
3. Quarter the washed cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumbers. Next, thinly slice and dice a red onion. Add the onion to the bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes. If you prefer not to use onion, you can omit this step.
4. Slice mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, or use pearl-sized mozzarella balls if you have them available. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the bowl.
5. Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and cheese in the bowl. Mix everything well, ensuring the marinade coats all the ingredients evenly. Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop and merge beautifully.

Physical Therapy: Your Pathway to Relief

We’ll start with a comprehensive evaluation, including gathering as much information about your health, previous history of neck pain, and information about your most recent episode. 

Next, we’ll conduct a physical examination, including a hands-on assessment of your neck and upper back muscles. We’ll assess your posture and movement patterns to identify any restrictions or limitations contributing to your pain.

Our treatment programs are built on several key elements, all aimed at facilitating the health of your neck:

• Posture Correction: Poor posture is a significant contributor to neck pain. Working with you, our therapists will guide you through the steps to correct your posture, effectively alleviating muscle strain on your neck and shoulders.
• Hands-on Therapy and Custom Exercises: Our expert therapists use specialized manual treatments to free up restrictions and alleviate tension in soft tissues.  We’ll also develop personalized exercise routines aimed at targeting the source of your pain to improve mobility and strength.
• Ergonomic Evaluation: Our therapists will provide practical recommendations for your work and home environments that can help minimize any physical strain on your neck and shoulders. We will also introduce you to stress-minimizing methods that can be seamlessly integrated into your work life.

We are committed to working closely with you to craft effective, proactive programs to restore mobility and contribute to overall well-being.

Unconventional Yet Effective Solutions for Neck Pain

Do you ever wake up with a stiff neck and wonder why it keeps happening? You’re not alone. Neck pain is pretty common, and it can be super annoying. But guess what? There are solutions, including some more unusual ones you may not have heard about yet.  Our therapists at ProActive use cutting-edge approaches to ensure you find the most effective ways to find lasting relief!

How to Help Your Neck Pain — Tips You May Not Know

Tackling neck pain is not just about focusing on the neck itself. By implementing these unconventional yet scientifically-backed recommendations into your daily routine, you’re setting yourself on a path toward relief and lasting wellness.

• Lumbar Support Can Alleviate Neck Pain: The way your lower back is positioned has a big effect on your neck. Using lumbar support can help you sit up straight, letting your neck sit over your shoulders like it should.  When you know you will be sitting for a while, whether at work or in the car, use a rolled-up towel or buy a lumbar roll to put in your lower back. Even though you’re changing the lower back position, your neck will thank you!
• Why Thoracic Mobility Matters: The thoracic spine consists of the 12 vertebrae in your mid-back. It plays a critical role in your overall spinal function. When this area is stiff or restricted, your neck compensates by moving more than it should. This often leads to a forward head posture, which can strain the neck muscles and lead to long-term pain. 
• Mind-Body Connection: Believe it or not, the state of your mind can also help heal your neck pain. Research has shown that stress can intensify pain, so techniques like mindfulness and breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels. Just a few minutes a day of deep breathing can go a long way.

Using unconventional techniques like lumbar support, thoracic mobility exercises, and even mindfulness can help you feel better faster. Why not give these unconventional methods a try? Your neck will be happier for it!

Request Appointment