Stiff Neck Physical Therapy
WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN AND STIFFNESS?
It is common to experience neck pain, stiffness or a sore neck from time to time. It may be an indication that your pillow is not supportive enough, that your posture could improve, or simply that you need some rest. In these cases, neck pain usually passes quickly without any medical intervention. In other cases, neck pain and stiffness can be a chronic condition, meaning it lasts more than just a few days or recurs throughout your life.
Some of the conditions that may result in neck pain or a stiff neck may include:
- Muscle strains in neck
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerves
- Whiplash
- Osteoarthritis in neck
- Bone spurs
- Rheumatoid arthritis
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A STIFF NECK?
A stiff neck can present with various symptoms that differ from patient to patient, depending on factors such as the cause of stiffness and the severity of the condition. Symptoms associated with neck stiffness and pain may include:
- Difficulty turning the neck to look side to side
- Sharp neck pain that seems to occur in one part of your neck
- Pain, tingling or weakness that flows through the shoulders, upper back, arms and fingers
- Neck pain that spreads to the back of your head
- Difficulty holding or picking up objects
WHEN SHOULD I VISIT A DOCTOR FOR NECK PAIN?
Because there are so many possible causes of neck pain and stiffness, it can be difficult to know when is the appropriate time to seek help from a doctor for neck pain. A good rule of thumb is to visit an experienced provider whenever neck pain is interrupting your normal activities, which might include:
- Neck pain that disrupts sleep
- Neck pain that interrupts work
- Neck pain that limits your ability to move
In less common cases, neck pain could indicate a serious underlying health problem, so it is important to seek medical evaluation if your neck pain is severe or does not improve on its own.
DO I NEED PT FOR NECK STIFFNESS?
Exchange PT offers an array of stiff neck treatments to address your neck pain and immobility. Our team utilizes a hands-on approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing acute and chronic neck pain and stiffness. Both of our clinics are conveniently located just steps from major transit hubs at the Exchange Place PATH station and the Port Imperial ferry terminal.
If you are suffering from neck stiffness and pain, visit one of our EPTG locations. We are open six days a week and accept walk ins so you can come in anytime. If you would prefer to schedule an appointment in advance, you can fill out the form on this page.
