Life Doesn’t Have to Be a Pain in the Neck!

Neck pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and even debilitating, especially when the discomfort radiates down into your shoulders. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), about one in three people will experience neck pain each year. If left untreated, this pain can worsen and, in severe cases, might even require surgery.

Your neck plays a vital role in almost every movement you make. Sharp or persistent pain can interfere with your daily activities—whether it’s sitting up straight at your desk or simply bending down to tie your shoes. The good news? Physical therapy can provide effective relief.

Every year, countless people find significant improvement from neck pain through tailored physical therapy. At Snyder Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping you regain comfort and get back to living your life without pain.

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Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain can arise from various causes and usually affects the area from the base of your skull down to your shoulder blades, often focusing in the back of the neck. The intensity of pain can range widely—from a constant, dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations.

Neck pain may also come with other symptoms, such as:

  • Stiffness and tightness in the upper back and shoulders
  • Numbness or tingling sensations that extend into your arms
  • Headaches
  • Discomfort when staying in one position for too long
  • Weakness in the arms
  • Trouble sleeping due to pain and discomfort
  • Difficulty standing or sitting up straight

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward finding relief and restoring your comfort and mobility.

Common conditions causing neck pain:

Neck pain is most commonly caused by an injury to the tissues or bone structures in the neck; however, certain degenerative conditions can also lead to neck pain.

Some common conditions that give you a pain in your neck include:

Injuries

Whiplash is a common cause of neck pain, often resulting from car accidents or high-impact sports collisions. This type of injury is classified as a “strain,” where the head is rapidly whipped back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissues at the back of the neck.

Illnesses

Certain medical conditions can also cause neck pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, and cancer.

Nerve compression

If you have a herniated disc in your neck or a narrowing of the foramen—the openings where nerves exit the spine—these nerves can become compressed. This compression may cause nerve pain that radiates from your neck down to your hands and fingers, a condition called “radiculopathy.”

Muscle strains

The muscles in your neck can become strained from overuse. Even everyday activities—like sitting at your desk all day with your neck craned toward the computer screen—can cause muscle strain and discomfort.

Joint degeneration

Just like other joints in your body, the joints in your neck can wear down over time, leading to pain. Conditions like osteoarthritis can cause the cartilage between the neck vertebrae to deteriorate, which also contributes to neck discomfort.

Start Your Journey to Neck Pain Relief Today

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat neck pain. At Snyder Physical Therapy, our skilled therapists begin with a thorough evaluation to assess your neck’s range of motion and identify any limitations caused by pain. From there, we develop a personalized diagnosis that shapes your tailored treatment plan. Together, we’ll set clear goals and expectations, focusing on relieving your neck pain and helping you recover as quickly as possible.

Your treatment will likely include manual, or “hands-on,” therapy—specialized techniques aimed at reducing stiffness and improving mobility in your neck. You’ll also receive targeted exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and tissues, improve posture, and support healing while preventing future injury. Depending on your needs, additional treatments such as ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be incorporated.

Don’t let neck pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief. We proudly serve Tower City, PA, and nearby communities including Williamstown, Dayton, and Elizabethville.