Neck Pain

• Acute trauma from a simple fall or overextension from trying to hit a tennis ball can damage any of the bones, muscles, or nerves in the neck.
• Whiplash is where the head thrust forward by inertia, over-stretching the neck muscles which usually happens due to accident, or traumas such as falls.
• Cervical Spondylosis or Lumbar Spondylosis is a chronic condition where the bones and discs in the neck start to degenerate. It’s a type of arthritis that is more common in aging populations.
• Facet Joint Syndrome is another musculoskeletal condition similar to arthritis, where the cartilage on the bones in the spine starts to degenerate, creating unwanted friction and pain. It can occur lower in the back or higher near the neck.
• Herniated disc is a condition where the rubber-like cushions between the vertebrae bulge, slip, or rupture, creating pain in the neck.
• Wry Neck (Torticollis) also known as torticollis, is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal, asymmetrical head or neck position.
• Pinched Nerve or Cervical Radiculopathy nerve roots in your neck can become inflamed or compressed by neurological dysfunction. Other neck conditions like a herniated disc or cervical spondylosis could also damage these nerve roots. This fairly common condition creates pain in the shoulders, neck, and arms. 
• Spinal stenosis refers to a condition where the space between backbones in the spine is too small, compressing the nerves that run through the spine, creating pain.
• Muscle pain in your neck can become strained or overstressed by poor posture or an acute injury, leading to pain in the neck.
• Muscle spasms are the involuntary tightening of the muscles as in a cramp or twitch. You may find yourself getting these frequently if there is undue muscle tension in your head, making turning your neck difficult.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and the first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can lead to pain in the shoulders and neck and numbness in the fingers.
• Cervicogenic headache is a pain or discomfort in the neck region. This can include the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and vertebrae in the cervical spine (the part of the spine that runs through the neck). Neckaches can vary in intensity from a mild, nagging discomfort to severe pain that can restrict movement and interfere with daily activities.

• Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with improper alignment.
• Muscle Strain: Overuse or sudden movements of neck causing strain.
• Injuries: Whiplash, falls, or sports injuries.
• Degenerative Diseases: Osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis.
• Herniated Discs: Discs pressing on nerves.

What are the Symptoms?

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion of the neck.
• Sharp or aching pain at neck and upper back.
• Radiating pain to the shoulders or arms.
• Headaches.
• Numbness or tingling in the arms.
• Burning sensation.
• Weakness of arm: e.g: unable to hold a glass of water.

• Manual Therapy: Techniques such as mobilization and manipulation to reduce pain and improve mobility of neck.
• Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to support neck muscles and enhance flexibility of neck.
• Postural Training: Educating patients on proper posture such maintain the natural curves of the back and neck in sitting, standing, and moving to reduce strain.
• Electrotherapy: Uses of electrical stimulation to relieve pain and inflammation around neck and upper back.
• Heat/Cold Therapy: Application of heat or cold packs to reduce muscle tension and swelling.
• Spinal decompression machine: Mechanical therapy that uses automated decompressive forces to mobilize joint, relieve the pressure over neuro-spinal structure, and relax elongate soft tissue.
• Education: Educating patients regarding home exercise program while working and ergonomic advice for workplace and home setup, including computer monitor height and chair adjustments.