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A Reputation for Quality
Our therapists at Physical Therapy Institute are highly trained to provide quality care for head and neck pain. A thorough initial evaluation helps us identify movement dysfunction that can be addressed with patient education, manual techniques, therapeutic exercise, and modalities. Regular reassessment provides reassurance that we are always working to achieve patient goals in a cost-effective manner.
Priority One – Pain Relief
Severe head & neck pain can be disabling. For this reason, our first priority is pain relief. Treating the underlying causes of identifiable movement dysfunction is the next step toward achieving long-term relief and recovery.
Diagnosing a Pinched Nerve in the Neck
A pinched nerve occurs when your nerve root becomes compressed as it exits your spinal column. A pinched nerve in the neck occurs when a nerve root of the nerves exiting from the spinal cord becomes irritated or compressed. A pinched nerve in the neck is known as cervical radiculopathy. Pain is the most common symptom of a pinched nerve. There may also be weakness and/or mild numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in nearby areas such as the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers.
Doctors use several tests to help them diagnose pinched nerves, including
- The Spurling Test - involves the doctor extending your neck, rotating your head from side to side and applying gentle downward pressure to the top of the head to see if he can elicit symptoms of pinched nerves.
- X-Ray - the X-Ray can't see your nerves, but it does show the alignment of the vertebrae in your neck and demonstrate narrowing of the foramen and disc spacing in the vertebrae. This information can show nerve damage or rule it out as the cause of your neck pain.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan - a more detailed image of the bones, which is why doctors sometimes use this to help diagnose a person with a suspected pinched nerve.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - an MRI will show the severity of the nerve compression in your neck and determine if a herniated disc is causing it.
- Electromyelography (EMG) - a test that measures the speed of transmitting electrical impulses along a nerve to determine whether a nerve or group of nerves is functioning properly. The EMG can help doctors determine which nerve has become irritated or compressed and where exactly the compression occurs.
A Hands-on Approach
Hands-on techniques, in most cases, are an essential part of a successful head and neck pain treatment program. Our therapists are equipped with cutting-edge manual skills to assist with the recovery of range of motion, reestablish correct movement patterns, and alleviate muscle related pain and tightness. Coupled with patient education and therapeutic exercise, the results can be dramatic and long lasting.
Evidence is Our Guide
Medical research is continuously providing the clinicians at Physical Therapy Institute with “current best-evidence” guidance so we are equipped to provide the state-of-the-art care to our community members. We look to systematic reviews and random controlled trials to help guide us in the delivery of state-of-the-art care. Coupled with regular attendance to continuing education courses, Physical Therapy Institute has a reputation for providing a high quality service to those in need of head and neck pain rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy for Neck Pain
Visit our Medical Library for more information on neck pain.
Are you suffering from neck pain?
Call us today to set up an appointment! -
It is estimated that 80% of the human race experiences low back pain at least once throughout their lifetime. Fifty percent of the working population admit to experiencing low back pain each year. Each year 15-20% of the people in the United States have complaints of low back pain. Two percent of the U.S. population is either temporarily or chronically disabled by low back pain. Millions of workers suffer on the job injuries annually which costs 100 billion dollars in lost wages, time, and productivity and medical costs.
While there are a lot of treatment options available, many of these only address the symptoms and don’t target the actual cause of your pain or handle it for the long term.
The three main causes of low back pain and sciatica are
- Herniated Discs
- Arthritis
- Pelvis issues
Without identifying the correct cause of your pain there is no way to develop the proper treatment plan.
Our physical therapists will find the actual cause of your back pain. The goal of effectively resolving your low back pain or sciatica includes…
- Identify the true cause
- Create a unique plan for your specific condition
- Relieve your pain
- Restore your normal motion, flexibility, mobility
- Strengthen the supporting muscle
- Return to your normal activities
Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain
Visit our Medical Library for more information on low back pain.
Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica?
Call us today to set up an appointment.
