Alleviate Persistent Neck Pain With Physical Therapy
Have you ever had one of those days at work or school when your neck just won’t stop bothering you? Or maybe turning your head to check for cars is difficult or painful. Neck pain can really impact your day and make life less enjoyable. Good news! At Atlanta Human Performance Group, we’ve got a team that knows just how to help you feel better and give you tips to keep the pain away.
Most of the time, neck pain happens because there’s something wrong with a muscle or joint. Figuring out what the real source is can be difficult, but with the help of our experienced therapists, you can get to the root of your problems, and more importantly, get the solutions you’re looking for.
Our Doctors of Physical Therapy will use treatments like specific stretches, hands-on techniques, and strength exercises that are tailored for immediate and lasting relief. Our ultimate goal? To help you return to a life you can enjoy to the fullest.
Take action today! Request an appointment and set the wheels in motion for the lasting relief you deserve.
Source of Neck Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Neck pain is a multifaceted condition, and its origins can vary widely from person to person. Whether your discomfort starts from an unfortunate car accident or something that seems insignificant, like maintaining an improper posture while working at your desk, our team can help.
What may appear to be a minor issue, such as a recurring crick in your neck, could potentially develop into a chronic issue that disrupts your daily life.
For some individuals, the issue lies deeper within the structure of the spine (for example, changes to the discs, the cushions between vertebrae). Disc degeneration can lead to pain and difficulty moving the neck., whereas problems such as bulging or herniated discs can be particularly painful and can even lead to nerve compression. This often results in additional symptoms such as sharp, radiating pain or numbness extending into the shoulders or arms.
Luckily, our Doctors of Physical Therapy are skilled at identifying these contributing factors and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored to alleviate your specific symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Your Pathway to Relief
We’ll start with a comprehensive evaluation, including gathering as much information about your health, previous history of neck pain, and information about your most recent episode.
Next, we’ll conduct a physical examination, including a hands-on assessment of your neck and upper back muscles. We’ll assess your posture and movement patterns to identify any restrictions or limitations contributing to your pain.
Our treatment programs are built on several key elements, all aimed at facilitating the health of your neck:
- Posture Correction: Poor posture is a significant contributor to neck pain. Working with you, our therapists will guide you through the steps to correct your posture, effectively alleviating muscle strain on your neck and shoulders.
- Hands-on Therapy and Custom Exercises: Our expert therapists use specialized manual treatments to free up restrictions and alleviate tension in soft tissues. We’ll also develop personalized exercise routines aimed at targeting the source of your pain to improve mobility and strength.
- Ergonomic Evaluation: Our therapists will provide practical recommendations for your work and home environments that can help minimize any physical strain on your neck and shoulders. We will also introduce you to stress-minimizing methods that can be seamlessly integrated into your work life.
We are committed to working closely with you to craft effective, proactive programs to restore mobility and contribute to overall well-being.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Neck?
Don’t let neck pain hold you back any longer. At Atlanta Human Performance Group, our team of experts is here to give you the personalized help you need to feel better and stay that way. Let’s work together to create a plan that fits you perfectly.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our amazing Doctors of Physical Therapy and start your journey to a more comfortable, pain-free life!
Your Progress Matters To Us!
Return to Atlanta Human Performance Center and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Seasonal Recipe
New Year’s Black-Eyed Peas For Good Luck
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry black-eyed peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups water
- 2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth
- 1 pound smoked ham hocks
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 5 pepperoncini peppers
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper to taste
Place the black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak, 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse before using. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in 8 cups of water and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in soaked black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and the broth is thickened, about 3 hours.
Exercise of the Month
Deep Neck Flexor Activation In Supine
Start by lying flat on your back with your head relaxed. Place your fingertips gently on the front of your neck and make sure you do not feel your surface muscles activating. Tuck your chin down toward your chest slowly without activating your surface neck muscles. Slowly untuck your chin. Repeat 3 sets, 10 reps each.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Always consistent with professional and quality care. I have had so much success with Dr. Evans’s office and his staff. I put them at the top of my list for physical therapy and refer them to my friends and associates.”
– Bernadette H.
Unconventional Yet Effective Solutions for Neck Pain
Do you ever wake up with a stiff neck and wonder why it keeps happening? You’re not alone. Neck pain is pretty common, and it can be super annoying. But guess what? There are solutions, including some more unusual ones you may not have heard about yet.
Our Doctors of Physical Therapy at Atlanta Human Performance Group use cutting-edge approaches to ensure you find the most effective ways to find lasting relief!
How to Help Your Neck Pain — Tips You May Not Know
Tackling neck pain is not just about focusing on the neck itself. By implementing these unconventional yet scientifically-backed recommendations into your daily routine, you’re setting yourself on a path toward relief and lasting wellness.
Lumbar Support Can Alleviate Neck Pain
The way your lower back is positioned has a big effect on your neck. Using lumbar support can help you sit up straight, letting your neck sit over your shoulders like it should.
When you know you will be sitting for a while, whether at work or in the car, use a rolled-up towel or buy a lumbar roll to put in your lower back. Even though you’re changing the lower back position, your neck will thank you!
Why Thoracic Mobility Matters
The thoracic spine consists of the 12 vertebrae in your mid-back. It plays a critical role in your overall spinal function. When this area is stiff or restricted, your neck compensates by moving more than it should. This often leads to a forward head posture, which can strain the neck muscles and lead to long-term pain.
Mind-Body Connection
Believe it or not, the state of your mind can also help heal your neck pain. Research has shown that stress can intensify pain, so techniques like mindfulness and breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels. Just a few minutes a day of deep breathing can go a long way.
Using unconventional techniques like lumbar support, thoracic mobility exercises, and even mindfulness can help you feel better faster. Why not give these unconventional methods a try? Your neck will be happier for it!
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Indoor Exercises for the Winter Months
It’s wintertime again, and rather than going into hibernation mode, maybe this year you can find some indoor exercises to keep you healthy and fit!
If you have been looking for some exercise suggestions that can help you make it through the winter months, look no further. At Atlanta Human Performance Group, our Doctors of Physical Therapy are movement experts and can guide you through the best types of exercises, depending on your goals.
According to the research, people take fewer steps per day, and less than half of all adults exercise in the winter. The main reason people use for not exercising outdoors is inclement weather, with rain being the biggest obstacle to getting outside and moving.
Although you can do some exercises all year, no matter the weather, if you are looking for some suggestions to try, consider the following:
- Yoga
- Pickleball
- Swimming or water aerobics
- Bootcamp or circuit training program
Try classes at your local fitness center, like Zumba or spinning classes, for more group-style indoor exercises. Try a CrossFit gym or a HITT (High Intensity Interval Training) program with Olympic-style lifting exercises if you want a more intense workout. Or, if you are looking for light (or even intense) competition, sign up for a sports league to play basketball, soccer, or volleyball.
If you are looking for a more traditional workout, there are treadmills and elliptical trainers in most fitness centers to get in and get your workout done quickly. Another great idea is to find a Doctor of Physical Therapy to finally resolve your old aches and pains and set you up with a program tailored to your personal goals that considers your injuries and unique physical attributes.
