Neck Pain
Neck pain and stiffness often come from desk posture, phone use, sleep position, arthritis or whiplash, and a pinched nerve in the neck can send pain or tingling into the arm. Physical therapy can help restore motion, calm the muscles and teach habits that protect your neck. Western Slope Rehab and Performance treats neck pain in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands.
Tech neck, text neck and long days at a desk
Hours with your head pushed forward over a laptop or phone load the muscles at the back of the neck and the joints beneath. The result is the dull ache, tight shoulders and stiff neck many people carry home from work.
Other common sources are a crick in your neck from sleeping badly, arthritis in the neck joints, and whiplash after a crash. Whiplash from a car accident is also covered on Auto Accident & Personal Injury.
Where your neck pain may come from
Muscles and posture
- Desk and screen work
- Sleep position
- A sudden crick
Joints
- Arthritis and stiffness
- Whiplash injury
- Limited turning
Nerves
- Pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy)
- Neck pain radiating down the arm
- Tingling or weakness in the hand
Neck and shoulder pain, arm tingling and headaches
Arm pain or numbness
When a nerve in the neck is irritated, symptoms show up in the shoulder blade, arm or fingers. Treating the neck often settles the arm. Problems in the shoulder joint itself are on Shoulder Pain.
Headaches
Tight upper neck muscles can trigger headaches at the base of the skull. See Headaches & Migraines for the full picture.
Jaw
Neck and jaw problems often travel together. See TMJ / Jaw Pain.
What treatment can include
- Manual therapy and gentle joint mobilization for the neck and upper back
- Strengthening for the deep neck muscles that hold your head up
- Dry Needling for tight muscles in the neck and shoulder
- Cupping Therapy or massage therapy for stubborn tightness
- Posture and ergonomic training you can use right away
Setting up your workstation
A few changes can take load off your neck: the top of your screen near eye level, your keyboard close enough that your shoulders can relax, your feet supported, and breaks to stand and turn your head through its full range. Your therapist can look at your own setup and adjust these to your job, whether that is an office, a truck or a shop.
Get checked right away if...
- Your neck pain started after a fall or crash
- You feel dizzy or your vision changes when you move your neck
- Weakness in your arm or hand is getting worse
Call your doctor the same day, or go to the emergency room if symptoms are severe or sudden. A recent head injury and ongoing symptoms may need a concussion check from a doctor first.
Ease the stiffness and keep it away
We welcome patients from Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands. You can start physical therapy without a referral from a doctor in most cases. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, still need a doctor to sign the plan of care. Call (970) 314-9822 or see Direct Access.
We see patients from Grand Junction and the surrounding Grand Valley: Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands.