When Neck Pain Won’t Go Away: Signs It’s Time to See a Physical Therapist

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting 10-20% of adults at any given time.

Although most cases improve with at-home care, such as ice, rest, and activity changes, some neck pain lasts for weeks or months, limiting mobility and affecting quality of life.

Many people with chronic neck pain assume surgery is the only treatment option, but that isn’t always the case. Often, a personalized physical therapy plan provides similar relief without surgery.

At Preserve Physical Therapy in The Woodlands and Magnolia, Texas, experienced physical therapist Rupal Mehta, PT, MS, DPT, PhD, regularly treats neck pain. Read on to learn when neck pain may benefit from physical therapy and how it can help.

When is neck pain something to worry about?

Almost everyone experiences neck pain, sometimes from sleeping in an awkward position or slouching at work. Other times, it’s the result of a more serious injury, such as a car accident.

Regardless, most neck pain eases within a few days and typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. But if it persists beyond that, it’s important to identify the cause.

That’s because neck pain from an underlying issue, such as a herniated disc or a compressed nerve, may worsen over time and become harder to treat.

Signs your neck pain needs professional attention

The best way to tell if your neck pain may benefit from physical therapy is to evaluate your symptoms. Contact us if your neck pain:

Radiates into your shoulders, arms, or hands
Continues or worsens despite at-home treatments
Triggers tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms or hands
Makes it difficult to turn your head or affects your overall range of motion
Occurs alongside dizziness or headaches

These and other similar symptoms may signal that your neck pain is due to an issue with your muscles, nerves, or joints. In these instances, physical therapy is often the best way to ease discomfort and provide lasting relief.

How physical therapy can help with neck pain

Physical therapy offers a safe and noninvasive alternative to surgery and injections. When it comes to neck pain, we typically take a three-pronged approach, including:

Custom exercises

Most cases of neck pain are caused by muscle weakness, inflammation, or stiffness. Targeted exercises can help address each of these issues by building strength, reducing swelling, and improving mobility.

For instance, if your neck pain is due to poor posture at work, a physical therapist may recommend shoulder rolls or chin tucks. These activities can relieve tension and strengthen neck muscles, making it easier to sit in certain positions comfortably.

Manual therapy

Manual therapies, such as massage, soft tissue mobilization, and myofascial release, increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension. They may also improve neck alignment, reducing the risk of weakness and headaches.

When combined with targeted exercise, many people with neck pain experience an improvement in their symptoms.

Patient education

Daily habits, such as sitting in front of a computer or behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, can cause you to slouch or move your neck in other unnatural ways.

These activities may not seem strenuous, but if you don’t practice good posture or have an ergonomic setup, they can lead to pain and significantly affect your quality of life.

Dr. Mehta can pinpoint specific issues that are making your neck pain worse and teach you how to avoid them.

Don’t wait to explore physical therapy for neck pain

Neck pain can make daily activities uncomfortable, but you don’t have to just sit in pain and do nothing. After reviewing your health history, discussing your symptoms, and completing a physical therapy evaluation, Dr. Mehta can make custom treatment recommendations.