Physiotherapy For Neck Pain

Also known as physical therapy, it is the treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercises and the application of modalities, intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development.

Physiotherapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have some medical problem of movement.

Treatment for neck pain

  The sensation of discomfort or even slight unpleasant feeling in the area is considered as neck pain. It may be caused by wrong position of sleeping, keeping the angle of neck in the same position for a long period of time; while reading, writing or working on the computer etc. Neck pain, if ignored in early stages, grows and extends towards shoulders and back. Physiotherapy can treat neck pain effectively when regularly practiced.   Basic physiotherapy involves various neck exercises. These include stretching the neck, rotating it in clock wise and anti clock wise directions, nodding the head towards the front and then towards back, nodding towards both the sides and chucking the chin in. Sitting still for a few minutes, while placing the neck on the back of a chair with the head thrown back, also helps relaxing the muscles. Rotating shoulders is a supportive exercise. A variety of other physiotherapeutic treatments may also be advised such as programmes designed to improve mobility and strengthen muscles, manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness acquired over a period of time. Massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, Alexander technique, Bowen technique are some more treatments that may be incorporated in the exercise programme. Other supportive therapies like the ultrasound or electrotherapy may also be sought for severe pain. Ultrasound therapy includes transmission of ultrasonic waves by the means of a round headed wand or probe that transmits these waves into the skin. They cause a vibration in the local tissues. Electrotherapy involves transmission of electric or electromagnetic waves in the part of body that is suffering from pain. Consulting a Doctor If the pain gets aggravated or persists for a period of more than seven days, it could mean that the body is giving an indication of worse problems. In such case, medical guidance must be sought immediately.

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