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Head and Neck Pain

Illustration courtesy of JAMA

Head and Neck Pain are often the result of poor posture, body mechanics or trauma

Improper posture is a leading contributor to head and neck pain. The cumulative trauma we place on our spine with daily activities such as computer use, phone use, sleeping with improper pillows and general bending and lifting activities are factors in neck pain.

Headaches are a common symptom of neck dysfunctions. If the origin of your headache is from the neck region, your physical therapist may be able to assist with proper stretching, strengthening and mobilization techniques.

Common neck dysfunctions include:

degenerative disc disease (DDD)
degenerative joint disease (DJD)
herniated or bulging discs
hypo/hyper mobility of the spine
muscular imbalances
bone spurs/osteophytes

Treatment protocols will be designed to meet and address your particular situation.

Origins of shoulder pain are diverse. The pain can arise from head, neck and thoracic spine dysfunctions, internal organ ailments, or direct trauma of degenerative processes of the shoulder proper.

One of the most common forms of shoulder pain is a rotator cuff problem. Either a strain, tear or impingement can cause rotator cuff dysfunction. Typified by pain in the lateral aspect of the arm and a decreased ability to raise your arm during normal activities, this type of problem can be quite debilitating.

Fortunately, through physical therapy intervention, proper diagnosis and early treatment, symptoms of pain can be alleviated and normal function can be restored.

See Article: "What you Need to Know about Neck Pain"