We are in a society and region that sits a substantial amount of the day. Between techy's in the Microsoft, Google and Amazon Industries and even many students in school, a lot of us sit for sometimes the majority of our days. In addition to sitting, we also look down often. Think about how many times you look down a day to check a text or your Apple watch. One research revealed that looking down can increased pressure on your neck up to 60 pounds!

Many of those that consistently sit and look down can start to have neck pain. Other symptoms may start to include:

• Upper back pain and stiffness

• Shoulder pain - Numbness and/or tingling in shoulders and arms

• Headaches

• Difficulty keeping in good posture alignment

Neck pain symptoms can be described by the type of onset and duration

• Acute neck pain is sudden onset pain that lasts for a few days or weeks. It can ease up as your body heals from injury or tissue damage.

• Subacute neck pain can last between six weeks and three months and is usually associated with muscle strain or joint pain.

• Chronic pain is severe, can last > 3 months and might fail to respond to initial treatments. It requires a complete medical exam to determine its cause.

Neck pain and Physical Therapy If you are having neck pain, physical therapy is often recommended. After ruling out serious conditions by your physical therapist or your physician, the real work begins.

Your PT will put together a treatment program that may consist of:

• Manual therapy: to help with tissue healing and/or restoration of joint mobility.

• Exercises: to help strengthen your neck and core to improve neutral postural alignment.

• Pain relief: consisting of appropriate modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound, or electric stimulation.

• Patient education: on tips to help reduce stress on your neck in your work and home environment.

When asked about neck pain one of our favorite physiatrists Dr. Gary Chimes, MD stated that, “Neck pain can be one of the most debilitating issues that we see. It can not only effect your physical ability, but also create issues with sleep, mood, concentration, performance, and emotion.”

The best news of all is that insurance covers physical therapy sessions! A physical therapist can work with you and modify your treatment program until your goals are met. Come see a PT today!

References:

• Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 4th Edition. David J. Magee, 2006. Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, 4th Edition. Susan B. O’Sullivan and Thomas J. Schmitz, 2001. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/93635-overview

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Disclaimer:
This website is an information and education resource for health professionals and individuals with injuries. It is not intended to be a service for patients and should not be regarded as a source of medical or diagnostic determination, or used as a substitute for professional medical instruction or advice. Not all conditions and treatment modalities are described on this website. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting, on any information contained on this website is hereby excluded.