A big presentation coming up soon at work. Worries about money. Family members who are dealing with serious medical issues. These and many more factors can lead to extreme stress.
If you’re feeling extreme stress right now, you’re not alone. The American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that one-third of all people in the U.S. are living with extreme stress. A common physical problem that can be related to stress is neck pain. Physical therapists can offer effective treatment for stress-related neck pain, and these specialists can also help you find ways to prevent this form of neck pain.
How physical therapists treat stress-related neck pain
Typically, stress-induced neck pain is a result of overly tense muscles. This muscle tension is partially caused by hormones like cortisol that your body produces when it’s stressed. Issues like scar tissue from past neck injuries can also increase neck muscle tension when you’re stressed.
Your physical therapist can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your neck. This allows them to determine the root cause of your neck pain. They can then take steps to address your pain using therapy methods like:
- Soft tissue mobilization that can decrease tension in your neck muscles
- Joint mobilization that’s intended to reduce stiffness in neck joints
- Therapeutic exercises designed to stretch and strengthen your neck muscles
- Ergonomics assessments intended to pinpoint normal daily activities or movements that are contributing to your neck pain
- Dry needling to prompt a twitch response in tense muscles and decrease pain
- At-home care appointments that allow you to work with your physical therapist one-on-one in your home
- Virtual therapy sessions where you can speak with your physical therapist via a secure video call
How physical therapists can help prevent the return of stress-related neck pain
Your physical therapist probably won’t be content to reduce your neck pain during your therapy sessions only. They will also want to ensure that your neck pain doesn’t come back later. To achieve this goal, your physical therapist can help you learn how to:
- Improve your head and neck posture
- Perform head and neck movements more effectively
- Strengthen your neck muscles
- Effectively stretch your neck and shoulders
- Do breathing exercises that can help you relax
Find help for your stress-induced neck pain at Border Therapy Services
Ready to start treating and preventing your neck pain? Our team at Border Therapy Services is here to help you accomplish both of these goals. Our physical therapists can pinpoint the source of your neck pain with a comprehensive neck evaluation. Additionally, we’re adept at building individualized physical therapy plans designed to reduce neck pain and prevent if from returning.
Contact our team today for more information about the therapy services we offer for neck pain or to schedule an initial appointment.