Our mission is to help people find relief from pain. If neck pain or headaches are affecting you or someone you know, understanding how physical therapy can help may be the key to finding lasting relief.

A common question we often hear is, "Can physical therapy help with my neck pain?" To answer that, we typically have patients perform three simple tests.

Test #1: Neck Turn

• Sit upright in a chair with good posture.
• Turn your head to the right as far as possible.
• Turn your head to the left as far as possible.
• Is one direction more difficult than the other? Do you experience pain, soreness, or stiffness when turning your head? If so, write down what you felt.

Test #2: Neck Extension

• Sit upright in a chair with good posture.
• Without arching your back, tilt your head back as far as you can.
• Next, slowly look down as far as you can, bringing your chin toward your chest.
• Did you feel any pain, soreness, or stiffness? If so, note what you felt and which movement caused it.

Test #3: Neck Tilt

• Sit upright in a chair with good posture.
• Tilt your head to the right, bringing your right ear toward your right shoulder without shrugging your shoulder.
• Tilt your head to the left and repeat the movement on the other side.
• Did one side feel easier or more comfortable than the other? Note which side felt better.

If any of these movements increase your pain, soreness, or stiffness, physical therapy may be an effective solution. By identifying the cause of your neck pain, we can help relieve these symptoms so you can return to your daily activities with less discomfort. If you’re ready to find relief, give us a call at 865-392-1033.