Physical Therapy for Neck & Back Pain In Omaha Nebraska

Neck pain is a common issue faced by as many as 30% of the US population every year and is more likely to occur in adults aged 30-50 years old. It can be caused by numerous factors, such as poor posture, stress, sleeping in an awkward position, and even genetics. While neck pain is not always accompanied by back pain, the two are often related.  

Performing daily activities such as working, driving, playing sports, or simply turning your head can become a challenge when suffering from neck and back pain. If left untreated, it can affect your quality of life. Luckily, most people who suffer from neck and back pain do not require surgery and can be treated through physical therapy.  

If you're one of the people in Omaha suffering from neck and back pain, physical therapy can help. After an initial evaluation, a physical therapist will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan to reduce or eliminate pain and regain normal movement so you can get back to your daily activities. 

Possible causes of neck and back pain include:

• Sudden trauma suffered during a car accident, a sports injury, or a fall
• Muscle strain from poor posture or sleeping in an awkward position
• Underlying conditions such as a cervical herniated disc, cervical degenerative disc disease, or cervical osteoarthritis

Neck stiffness is often experienced with neck pain, and the pain can be described as sharp, stabbing, dull, aching, throbbing, or tingling. In many cases, any neck movement can also make the pain worse.

Generally, it is not uncommon for back pain to accompany neck pain. Pain in the neck is typically felt in the back of the neck, just below the skull. However, it can sometimes radiate to the upper back, shoulders, shoulder blades, arms, or hands. This condition is known as radiculopathy.  

A physical therapist can help determine if this occurs and work with your physician and surgeon to determine the correct treatment. 

Neck and back pain can affect your daily productivity. In more severe cases, it can often be a cause of disability. Because there are so many potential causes for the pain, it's essential to see a healthcare professional if you suffer from neck and back pain to determine the exact root of the problem.  

When consulting with your physician, they may want to run a few diagnostic tests to understand the source of your pain better. A few of the most common diagnostic tests for neck and back pain include: 

• X-rays: X-rays can reveal if you have any broken bones or other structural problems that may be causing your pain.
• MRI: An MRI can show your physician if you have any herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other issues with your spine.
• CT scan: A CT scan can help your physician see if you have any tumors or other masses in your neck or back.
• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of the muscles in your neck and back. It can also help your doctor determine if you have any nerve damage or other muscle problems in these areas.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): In more severe cases, a spinal tap is used to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This test can help your doctor determine if you have any infections or other problems with your spinal cord.

After a diagnosis has been made, you and your physician can discuss treatment options. Physical therapy will likely be part of your treatment plan.

When you see a physical therapist for your neck and back pain, they will run an initial evaluation of your condition. They will ask about your medical history and symptoms, any activities or movements that worsen your pain, and how long you have experienced it. Functional assessments may also assess your range of motion, how well you can move your neck, and strength and reflexes.  

After the initial evaluation, the physical therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include exercises and stretches you can do at home, manual therapy such as massage or joint mobilization, and/or modalities such as ice or heat. They may also recommend seeing a specialist for further evaluation or treatment in some cases. 

Physical Therapy Treatment Methods for Neck and Back Pain  

There are two types of treatments in physical therapy. The first is called passive therapy because the physical therapist applies the treatment. Passive therapies can include massage, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.  

The second type of treatment is called active therapy, and it involves performing specific movements. Active therapies can include exercises and stretches to improve strength and flexibility, reduce pain, and increase mobility.  

Physical therapists often use a combination of passive and active therapies to help you regain movement and reduce pain. Talk to your physical therapist about the best treatment plan for you.  

Many studies have examined the effectiveness of physical therapy in helping to reduce pain in the lower back or neck. Currently, there is moderate to strong evidence supporting the benefits of physical therapy in reducing neck and back pain and improving range of motion. In addition, some studies have found even more benefits from physical therapy when combined with other treatment methods, such as aerobic activity.  

Neck and back pain can be debilitating, but physical therapy may be an effective treatment option. If you're experiencing neck or back pain, consult with your health care provider about whether physical therapy is the right solution for you.  

The outstanding physical therapists at Nebraska Accident and Injury Clinic are experts in helping people in Omaha overcome neck and back pain. They can help you get back to doing daily routine activities and activities you enjoy. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started on your journey toward less painful living!