Is your back and neck pain preventing you from living your life to the fullest? If so, you aren’t alone.
Studies show that up to 90% of people experience either back pain or neck pain at least once in their lives. Though back pain and neck pain are very common, this doesn’t mean it’s a condition you should take lightly.
Left untreated, some of the conditions that cause neck and back pain can lead to long-term health issues or mobility limitations. Fortunately, physical therapy can help!
At Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ, you’ll gain access to a personalized physical therapy treatment plan that will tackle your painful symptoms head-on.
If you’re ready to live a life without neck and back pain, contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed physical therapists.
What can I expect at my first physical therapy appointment?
Physical therapy is a pain treatment and relief strategy that is safe, natural, and successful for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
During your first appointment with a physical therapist, you’ll undergo a comprehensive physical exam. This will help your therapist determine the root cause of your neck and back pain. A strength test may also be performed, using a goniometer to measure your current range of motion.
In order to determine the quality of your current functional mobility, you may be asked to perform different exercises and physical movements.
Your physical therapist will likely ask you to share any relevant medical history, if you have a chronic pain condition, or if you have a history of recurring injuries. This information will help your therapist determine the nature and severity of your condition.
Once your evaluation is complete, your physical therapist will get to work creating a personalized treatment plan that targets the cause of your back or neck pain and focuses on providing relief.
Passive and active therapies
Physical therapy treatment for back pain and neck pain focuses on the structures that support the spine. This includes the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. In order to achieve the most effective pain relief possible and prevent injury in the future, your treatment plan will include both active and passive forms of physical therapy.
An active physical therapy plan usually involves specific exercises, stretches, and adjustments, designed to relieve and eventually eliminate your pain. Aquatic therapy is a form of active therapy that is commonly recommended for patients who struggle to exercise without pain.
When you’re in chest-deep water, only 20% of your weight is supported by your spine. This makes it much less painful and easier to exercise your back and neck muscles.
Passive physical therapy also includes different modalities, such as ice and heat therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound, or electrotherapy. Massage therapy is used to relieve muscle tension and pain. Ice and heat therapies help reduce swelling and pain, while also increasing blood flow to the affected area to promote healing.
Electrotherapy involves sending electrical impulses to the sensory nerves in order to alter pain signals. Though the name of this treatment technique can sound intimidating, electrotherapy isn’t painful. Instead, it feels like a mildly warm sensation that reduces pain and relaxes muscles.
A look into your personalized treatment plan
No two pain conditions are exactly alike, which is why our physical therapists create a specific treatment plan just for you. Some common causes of back and neck pain include:
- Improper posture. Poor posture can cause unnecessary strain on the back and neck, which can result in pain and discomfort.
- Sprains and strains. When these injuries do not heal properly, it can lead to painful symptoms and even chronic pain in the future.
- Osteoarthritis. You can think of osteoarthritis as the “wear and tear” that develops on the facet joints (which cause friction when bending). This can also result in a pinched nerve root, which can cause sciatica.
- Sudden traumas or injuries. Sudden damage to the neck or back, such as a sports collision or car accident, may result in back or neck pain.
- Disc herniation. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.
- Degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease occurs when there is significant “wear and tear” on the spinal discs.
Fortunately, physical therapy has been proven to help with back and neck pain, regardless of its root cause. If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, call Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ today to see how physical therapy can help you live a pain-free life. Our physical therapists are certified and experienced, and they are eager to help you succeed.
Finally, say goodbye to your aches and pains
Disruptive pain in your neck and back doesn’t have to be a part of your life. Contact Total Care Physical Therapy today to learn how we can get you on the path to recovery.
Our team is looking forward to meeting you and helping you start living a life uninhibited by pain.
