Neck Pain
Updated: Oct 2
Neck pain is often nonspecific with several possible pain generators or sources of pain. These include the discs, facet joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots. Treatment here is individualized and comprehensive and involves hands on treatment of both the muscles and joints as well as exercise and education.
Common Neck Pain Complaints or Conditions
Neck Muscle Tension: Muscle tension and "knots" in the neck can be a source of pain. We use a combination of manual therapy and tailored exercises to provide relief.
Tech Neck: Modern lifestyles often contribute to "tech neck" issues.
Whiplash Injury: Whiplash injuries require specialized care. We aim to expedite recovery, reduce pain, restore neck mobility and strength after a whiplash incident.
"Cervical facet joint pain the most common cause of chronic neck pain after whiplash injury. The prevalence of cervical facet joint pain after whiplash injury was found to be 60%, and the most common levels were C2-C3 and C5-C6." Researchers Lord and Barnsley et al
Postural Imbalance and Neck Pain: Postural imbalances are a significant contributor to neck pain. Our treatments focus on correcting posture and strengthening supporting muscles to prevent future discomfort.
Neck Arthritis: A common cause of neck pain which can create local pain and sometimes radiating pain into the upper extremity depending on severity.
Stress Related Neck Pain: Stress can manifest physically, often resulting in neck pain.
Pinched Nerve in the Neck: Cervical radiculopathy can cause radiating pain in to the hand and arm. Many of these cases can be effectively treated with chiropractic and/or physical therapy.
Other Neck Pain Conditions: The list above is some of the common complaints and is not a complete diagnosis list. We start with ruling out serious pathology with history and exam and we move forward from there.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Neck Pain and/or Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain
It is important to choose a provider that is comprehensive and up-to-date. Below are snapshots from the physical therapy clinical practice guideline for neck pain. The first snapshot is neck pain with associated radiating arm pain. The second is neck pain that with reduced mobility but no arm pain.
Notice this guideline recommends laser therapy AND manipulation (adjustments) AND dry needling AND exercise AND education.
What treatment methods are not up-to date or comprehensive?
Chiropractor example: Adjustments only without exercise or addressing the soft tissue component of neck pain.
Physical Therapist example: Exercise instruction without hands on therapy.
It is our opinion that to achieve optimal results you should receive up-to-date, comprehensive care.
To Book an Appointment
To schedule with Dr. Kelly Ashbeck (physical therapist in Neenah) or Dr. Alex Tapplin (chiropractor in Appleton and Neenah) simply book online, call or text the main line.