If you suffer from chronic neck pain, you appreciate how much it impacts  your quality of life. Dulling the discomfort with oral medication may provide an immediate respite, but its effects are only temporary. For long term pain relief, the practitioners at Step By Step Physical Therapy in Warsaw, NY, recommend trying restorative techniques. Below, they discuss some of the most effective treatment methods for addressing painful neck issues.

5 Ways to Relieve Neck Pain  

1. Improve Your Posture

Poor posture is a major contributor to neck pain. Regularly slouching or hunching your shoulders places extra strain on your neck, causing tension. To reduce your pain, physical therapy practitioners often focus on improving how you sit and stand. With corrected posture, the vertebrae of your neck will stack up in proper alignment.

2. Regular Stretching

Holding the same position for hours at a time, like when working on a computer all day, can make your muscles tight and cause neck pain. Following a regular stretching routine helps counteract these effects and makes you more comfortable. Movements like rolling your shoulders, squeezing your shoulder blades together, and gently turning your head from side to side can help ease discomfort. While these may seem mild, it is possible to overtax sore and tight muscles, so consult a physical therapist for advice before getting started.

3. Corrective Exercise

While physical activity may be the last thing on your mind when experiencing discomfort, research suggests exercise is an effective treatment for neck pain. Under the guidance of a qualified physical therapist, exercise can be used to improve the range of motion of your neck and strengthen weakened muscles.

4. Therapeutic Modalities

Advanced treatment methods like ultrasound and electrical stimulation can alleviate discomfort while you focus on correcting the causes of your neck issues. When offered in conjunction with other rehabilitation techniques, these treatments may reduce inflammation and pain, making the healing process easier.

5. Traction Therapy

Often, the cause of chronic neck pain is a problem with the cervical discs, such as bulging or herniation. If you’re suffering from prolonged pain, an experienced physical therapist may recommend traction therapy. During treatment, your doctor will gently stretch the soft tissue and muscles of your neck to reduce the pressure on your discs and promote healing. This minimally invasive, manual treatment offers sustained pain relief.

Alleviate your neck pain with help from Step By Step Physical Therapy. Offering comprehensive care in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, they are committed to improving the lives of patients throughout Western New York. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (585) 786-8700 to make an appointment.