The Profound Benefits of Online Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common problem experienced by millions of individuals at one point or another. It can be caused by several factors, including postural issues all the way to medical illnesses. Experts predict a staggering 32.5% rise in global neck pain cases between 2020 and 2050. However, it is now more convenient than ever to opt for online physiotherapy for neck pain with the rise of technology in the current society.


In this blog, we will discuss the possible neck pain causes, the various classifications, possible symptoms and how a physiotherapy treatment can be of help. We will also go deeper into physiotherapy exercises and home remedies that can be used to address neck pain. By the end of this blog, you will learn about effective approaches to neck pain physiotherapy and how to use online physiotherapy to manage neck pain.


Neck Pain Causes

Causes of Neck Pain


When opting for neck pain treatment, it is important to know the basic causes of this condition. Common neck pain causes include:

  • Poor posture: When sitting or standing, certain positions also exert pressure on the muscles located at the neck region. This is specifically common with the people who spend most of their time working behind a desk or operating a computer.
  • Injuries: Injury of the neck is possible due to accidents as well as by any jerky movement. The whiplash of the neck, usually caused by car accidents, sports injuries and falls, can also cause neck pain.
  • Medical conditions: Neck pain can arise from a number of factors, including arthritis, the condition of slipped discs or infections. These conditions may result in chronic pain, which often requires medical care and careful management.
  • Stress: Stress is also a major cause of emotional strain that can lead to neck muscle tension and hence, pain. Symptoms associated with stress-related neck pain include muscle tension, headaches and rigid shoulders.
  • Lifestyle factors: Sometimes neck pain may be a result of inactivity, obesity, and poor sleeping habits. Sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow or lying down in an improper position also results in stiffness and pain in the morning.


The first step towards getting relief from neck pain, therefore, lies in identifying the cause of the pain. Knowing the neck pain causes makes it easier to give a specific treatment that will effectively deal with the symptoms.


Types of Neck Pain

There are several types of neck pain, and each type differs in the kind of therapy that should be applied. Neck pain is categorised as:

  • Acute neck pain: Temporary discomfort that can be the result of pulled muscles or other light injuries. This type of pain typically lasts for several days up to several weeks, depending on the management provided.
  • Chronic neck pain: Chronic pain that can be attributed to various pathological conditions. Neck pain that lasts for more than three months is considered chronic and may involve different types of management.
  • Radicular pain: Neck pain that spreads to other body parts due to nerve compression. This type of pain can spread down the arms and into the hands and fingers, leading to symptoms such as numbness and weakness.
  • Axial neck pain: Headache limited to the head and neck region without any features of radicular symptoms. This is often a result of muscle strain or degenerative changes in the cervical spine.

Knowing the type of neck pain will help determine the best treatment. One should seek professional healthcare assistance to determine the type of neck pain and respective treatment.


Neck Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of Neck Pain


Neck pain symptoms can differ depending on the kind of neck pain one is experiencing and its main cause. Watch out for the below symptoms of neck pain for effective management:

  • Stiffness: Stiffness of the neck and not being able to turn it easily, particularly in the morning. It can also limit simple tasks such as tilting the head or looking up or down.
  • Sharp pain: Sharp and consistent pain associated with certain activities or positions. This kind of pain is intense and may demand immediate medical assistance.
  • General soreness: An exhaustive discomfort which could extend to the neck and shoulders. This is usually accompanied by muscle pull or spasm.
  • Radiating pain: Pain that affects the upper limbs down to the wrist or the lower limbs down to the leg. It is often observed in cases of a herniated disc or nerve compression.
  • Headaches: Tension headaches can sometimes originate from the neck and hence the neck pain. These headaches are characterised by a band that goes around the forehead or to the back of the head.


These symptoms can limit the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks and affect their well-being. Severe and chronic neck pain must be monitored by a specialist.


Neck Pain Physiotherapy 

Neck pain is treatable through physiotherapy which has been proven to be quite effective in recent years. It encompasses various methods that help minimise pain, enhance the movement of the neck and build neck muscles. These are the main components of neck pain physiotherapy:

  • Manual therapy: Manual procedures to initiate movements in the cervical facet joints and paraspinal muscles. It can entail procedures such as massage, joint mobilisation, and myofascial release.
  • Exercise therapy: Specific exercises that help in building up strength and flexibility. These exercises can help resolve muscle imbalances and enhance neck function in general.
  • Posture correction: Being mindful of correct body posture to prevent neck pain or reduce its effect. This may include changes to your work environment that cause physical strain and practising the right way to sit and stand.
  • Education: Informing the patients with neck health tips and how to deal with the pain. It entails counselling on how to adjust to the recommended activities, pain control measures and other self-care measures.
  • Pain relief techniques: Applying heat or cold to the affected area or using electrical stimulation or ultrasound to help reduce pain. They can be used independently to offer instant relief and enhance the results of other forms of therapy.


Online physiotherapy for neck pain enables patients to get professional advice without visiting the doctor. Teletherapy may also be as helpful as face-to-face consultations, and it is possible to plan personalised consultations and offer assistance.


Neck Pain Physiotherapy Exercises

Some exercises can help a lot in relieving the neck pain. Here are some effective neck pain physiotherapy exercises that one can practise daily to alleviate the pain:

  • Neck Stretches: Flexibility and range of motion exercises to alleviate stiffness and soreness. This includes the chin-to-chest stretch and the ear-to-shoulder stretch.
  • Strengthening exercises: Exercises that focus on strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles such as the resistance bands. They are great movements to avoid future problems.
  • Range-of-motion exercises: Any movements that cause stretching of the neck such as swinging it from side to side and up and down. These exercises are useful in the normal movement of the neck so that it does not stiffen up.
  • Postural exercises: Chin tucks and shoulder blade squeezes are some of the postural exercises that can help improve the position of the spine. These can help self-correct postural abnormalities and relieve pressure on the neck.
  • Relaxation exercises: Stress reduction techniques like respiratory exercises, Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation, and many others help decrease muscle tension. These exercises can be quite beneficial for people dealing with stress-related neck pain and other complaints.


Online Physiotherapy for Neck Pain Treatment at Home

Self-management of neck pain at home can be highly effective, especially when one can access online physiotherapy for neck pain from the comfort of their home. Follow these basic and simple strategies for neck pain treatment in home:

  • Hot and cold therapy: Apply heat or cold packs to the neck to prevent inflammation and minimise pain. Heat therapy has the effect of dilating blood vessels and consequently relaxing contracted muscles. On the other hand, cold therapy is effective in minimising inflammatory processes and masking acute pain.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Measures like taking paracetamol, ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter pain relievers can offer a short-term solution. These can be useful in controlling pain and inflammation but should be administered only with a healthcare practitioner’s advice.
  • Ergonomic adjustments: Adjusting the environment at the workplace by preventing or correcting wrong postures reduces neck pain. Examples are using an ergonomic chair, optimising the position of the computer monitor to ensure it is at eye level and exercising periodically.
  • Regular breaks: Having a good regimen involves taking a break from prolonged sitting or doing repetitive activities by walking or stretching. This can help alleviate pressures that come with muscle tension and eliminate stiffness.
  • Online physiotherapy sessions: Using applications to join virtual physiotherapy sessions for individual advice and recommendations is an ideal solution. Online sessions can offer a flexible exercise schedule, information on proper posture, and regular supervision by a physiotherapist.


The given home treatments alongside professional physiotherapy can offer great relief from neck pain. Remember to be consistent with your treatment approach and consult a physiotherapist if the pain does not ease after several sessions or if the symptoms persist.


Conclusion

Neck pain is a common problem which can cause significant disruption in individuals’ daily lives. Knowing the factors that cause neck pain, identifying the different categories, and engaging in physical therapy can be helpful. In the wake of online physiotherapy for neck pain, neck pain management has been made easier and more comfortable. Through physiotherapy exercises and home treatments mentioned above, neck pain can be managed and reduced greatly, enhancing the quality of life. 


Neck pain should not be taken lightly. Ensure that you seek the right physiotherapy to get rid of neck pain.

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Dr. Poonam Hooda
Dr. Poonam Hooda

With a Master's in Physical Therapy and over 15 years of dedicated experience, I bring a wealth of expertise to the field of chronic pain management. My approach, deeply rooted in the Egoscue method, emphasizes addressing the root cause of pain rather than merely treating symptoms, enabling countless patients to avoid surgery and recover naturally. My specialization extends to managing chronic lower back pain, neck, shoulder injuries, and knee pain, with a notable success in pediatric recovery. I hold certifications in Kinesio Taping, Manual Therapy Mobilization, and am an expert in posture-related musculoskeletal disorders. My academic credentials include an MPT in Neuro Rehabilitation, a BPT, certifications in Mulligan and Maitland Manual Therapy Mobilization, K-Taping, and an MBA in Healthcare, underscoring my commitment to providing holistic and informed care.

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