Physical Therapy for Head and Neck Injuries

from Premier Jacksonville, Florida Physical Therapist

Pain can come from a multitude of factors, whether an accident or injury, or a sudden movement or sleeping position. We take the time to properly evaluate and perform the best solutions for your needs when it comes to your neck/head pain. Dealing with head and neck pain or issues can be debilitating, especially if it affects your concentration, your mood, leaves you feeling dizzy, or lightheaded. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy will guide you through the steps needed to help you move and feel better, including how to prevent future injury or pain. Through graded exercise, movement, hands on techniques, and a variety of therapeutic tools and procedures, you will be back to moving and experiencing life injury and pain free!

• Headaches

• Concussions

• Blows to the head/neck

• Neck pain (Acute and Chronic)

• Whiplash

• Neck strain

• Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease (DDD/DJD)

What are common causes of neck pain?

There are many causes of neck pain, and yours may not be on this list. At Body Mechanics PT, we can figure out how and why your neck pain started, and how best to treat your symptoms. Here are a few common causes and likely results:

• Traumatic injury or accident: Whiplash, neck strain/sprain, disc herniations/bulging

• Muscle, joint, or bone overuse/lack of endurance or strength: Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Arthritis, stiff neck, Tech neck

• Improper body mechanics/movements: Neck strain/sprain from lifting, pinchy feeling from sleep postures, decreased head/neck movement suddenly, overuse while working or sitting at a desk, staring at a computer or phone all day.

What are common ways people injure their head/brain?

Head and brain injuries are two different things. A brain injury occurs typically from a blow to the head or when the brain moves inside of the skull causing a shearing effect on the brain itself. A head injury can come from a blow or strike to the head, but does not always mean there is a resultant brain injury.

Brain injuries cause multiple symptoms, most concurrent with concussion symptoms, such as:

• Dizziness

• Light headed

• Headache

• Confusion

• Forgetfulness

A head injury without brain injury can be characterized by symptoms such as:

• A mark left behind (bruise, bump, swollen, cut, abrasion, etc.)

• May experience a headache

• Pain or blood at site of strike

What are common neck/head pain treatments?

At Body Mechanics PT, we offer a variety of solutions dependent upon the diagnoses and length of time in pain for various head and neck pain. Here is a brief list of some treatment options we have available:

• Stretching

• Strengthening

• Manual therapy/ hands on techniques

• Manual decompression/traction

• Stability exercises

• Cupping

• Electrical stimulation

• Ultrasound

• Visual and eye tracking training

• Vestibular/balance training

• Cognitive and mental training