How Physiotherapy will help in reduce CERVICAL PAIN

CERVICAL PAIN?
One of the most typical complaints is neck or cervical pain, which can be brought on by a number of medical issues. It can be mild to severe, and more severe cases may point to a major underlying issue. How Physiotherapy will help in reduce CERVICAL PAIN

The neck consists of 7 cervical vertebrae. In between the 2 vertebrae there is an Inter vertebral disc. These two are connected and reinforced by various Ligaments and muscles which stabilizes the spine and provides support and movement. A problem with any of these structures, or with nerves in or near your neck, can cause neck pain. 90 percent of the neck pains are mechanical and Non-specific mainly involving the soft tissues [Upper crossed syndrome/ muscle spasm/ Facet pathology]. 10 percent are due to any trauma or other underlying diseases or disc related problems.

RISK FACTORS for developing Neck pain :

• Older age
• Strenuous physical activity
• Mental stress
• Being overweight or obese
• Driving or traveling long distances
• Working long hours at a computer
• Hunching your neck down often, such as to look at your phone
• Carrying heavy bags on shoulder straps
• Poor alignment while sleeping
• Smoking
• Irregular Menstrual cycles
• Short/ long Neck
• Bad Posture

CAUSES :

The neck is responsible for supporting the weight for the head and is flexible to allow rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral flexion to occur. The neck is also vulnerable to conditions that cause pain and restrict motion. There are a variety of reasons that can contribute to cervical pain, these may include:

• ¹Muscle strains. The commonest cause of Neck pain. Neck strains are caused by overuse of the neck muscles such as too many hours sat hunched in a chair or keeping the neck in a bad posture.
• Weakness. Training the upper traps more than the lower and mid traps may lead to overstimulation of the upper traps resulting in Neck pain.
• Worn joints. As we age our joints in the neck become worn down. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage between vertebrae to deteriorate. This can then cause osteophytes to form that can affect range of motion and cause pain.
• Nerve compression. Herniated disks or osteophytes in the vertebrae of your neckcan press on the nerves branching out from the intervertebral foramen.
• Injuries. Motor collisions and sporting injuries can often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.
• Diseases. Diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer, visceral disorder, Diplopia, Dysarthria, Dysphagia can cause neck pain.
• Facet Joint pathology is one more most common cause of Neck pain

Clinicians should use limitation of motion in the cervical and upper thoracic regions, presence of cervical pain-related headache, history of trauma, and referred or radiating pain into an upper extremity as useful clinical findings for classifying a patient with neck pain into the following categories:

• Neck pain with mobility deficits
• Neck pain with movement coordination impairments
• Neck pain with headaches [Cervicogenic headaches]
• Neck pain with radiating pain

From examination, clinicians should categorize NP patients into one of the four previously mentioned groups by thorough clinical examination to deliver the most appropriate treatment plan.

Intervention & Physiotherapy Treatment Recommendations :

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for cervical pain, as it aims to reduce pain, improve neck function, and prevent future discomfort. Here’s how physiotherapy can help with cervical pain and what you can expect during the treatment process:

1. Assessment: The first step in physiotherapy for cervical pain is a thorough assessment by a qualified physiotherapist. They will evaluate your neck pain, its causes, and your overall physical condition. This assessment may include questions about your medical history, a physical examination, and possibly imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans.
2. Pain Management: Physiotherapists can use various techniques to alleviate pain. These may include heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and soft tissue mobilization to relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation.
3. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, and massage can help improve the range of motion in your neck and reduce muscle tension.
4. Exercise Prescription: Physiotherapists will design a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles in your neck and improve posture. These exercises can help relieve pain and prevent future episodes. Common exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises.
5. Posture Correction: Your physiotherapist will work with you to identify and correct poor posture habits that may contribute to cervical pain. They can provide guidance on ergonomics at work and home.
6. Education: Physiotherapists will educate you about your condition, including its causes, symptoms, and ways to manage and prevent cervical pain. They can also teach you self-care techniques and strategies for managing pain at home.
7. Home Exercise Program: In addition to in-clinic treatments, you will likely be given exercises and stretches to perform at home as part of your ongoing rehabilitation.
8. Progress Monitoring: Your physiotherapist will continually assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. They will work with you to achieve your goals for pain relief and improved function.
9. Prevention: Physiotherapy not only treats current symptoms but also focuses on preventing future episodes of cervical pain. Your physiotherapist can provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and exercises to maintain a healthy neck.

It’s essential to be consistent with your physiotherapy sessions and follow the recommended home exercise program to achieve the best results. Improvement may take time, and the duration of treatment will vary depending on the severity and cause of your cervical pain.
Always consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or physician, for a proper evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. They can help you manage your cervical pain effectively and enhance your overall neck health

NOTE: Treat the cause of the pain and not the pain alone. The treatment techniques, duration of the treatment depends from individual to individual and underlying cause.

7 BEST TIPS TO AVOID NECK PAIN:

1. Don’t stay in one position. Change your position or stretch every half an hour
2. Make some ergonomic adjustments. Position your computer monitor at eye level so you can see it easily. Use the hands-free function on your phone or wear a headset. Prop your tablet on a pillow so that it sits at a 45° angle, instead of lying flat on your lap.
3. If you wear glasses, keep your prescription up to date.
4. Don’t use too many pillows. Its wrong to avoid even using no pillow. Your pillow should support the curve of the spine to keep the neck neutral
5. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep problems increase the risk for several different conditions, including musculoskeletal pain
6. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, try to avoid leaning your head to one side.This is also important when you use a cellphone and aren’t sitting at your desk while you speak. A headset, earbuds, or speakerphone are good options to help keep your head in a neutral position for hands-free talking. Headsets are available for both your desk phone and cell phone.
7. Exercise and stretch your neck. Keep your neck muscles strong by doing short sets of strengthening and stretching exercises throughout the day. One of the simplest exercises to do is the chin tuck exercise

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