Neck Pain Treatment

Acute Neck Pain Treatment (0– 72 hours)

Common Causes

  • Sudden muscle spasm
  • Acute cervical strain
  • Whiplash injury
  • Acute disc irritation / disc bulge
  • Ligamentum nuchae strain
  • Levator scapulae acute strain
  • Trapezius trigger points
  • Upper Cross Syndrome flare-up
  • Cervicogenic headache onset

Our Acute Treatment Approach

Immediate Pain & Inflammation Control

  • Cryotherapy / ice therapy
  • TENS, IFT, Ultrasound
  • Laser therapy for acute disc inflammation
  • Soft cervical collar if needed

Biomechanics-Based Assessment

  • Cervical alignment
  • Protective muscle spasm patterns
  • Trigger points around neck & shoulder
  • Scapular mechanics assessment

Acute Muscle & Fascia Care

  • Gentle myofascial release
  • Protective Suboccipital muscle releasemuscle spasm patterns
  • Levator scapulae/upper trapezius trigger release
  • Pain-free manual traction

Spinal Decompression Therapy (Acute Phase)

  • Used carefully when disc irritation is suspected:
  • Gentle traction-based decompression
  • Reduces nerve root compression
  • Decreases disc pressure
  • Helps relieve radiating arm pain
  • (Only applied after acute red-flag screening.)

Stabilization & Protection

  • Kinesio taping for muscle relaxation/support
  • Rigid taping if ligament support needed
  • Acute posture correction
  • Ergonomic guidance

Pain-Free Mobility

  • Passive ROM
  • Submaximal cervical isometrics
  • Gentle scapular activation

Acute Red-Flag Screening

  • VBI (5D’s & 3N’s)
  • Myelopathy signs
  • Severe radiculopathy
  • Traumatic instability

Goal

Reduce pain, control spasm, decompress the cervical spine, and prevent stiffness.

Sub-Acute Neck Pain Treatment (3 days – 6 weeks)

Common Causes

  • Healing stage of acute strain
  • Sub-acute disc bulge
  • Persistent upper trapezius/levator scapulae tightness
  • Upper cross syndrome
  • Cervicogenic headaches
  • Facet joint restriction
  • Desk-job posture issues

Our Sub-Acute Treatment Approach

Restore Cervical Biomechanics

  • Forward head correction
  • Scapular retraining
  • Cervico-thoracic mobility
  • Facet joint mobilization (Grade I–III)

Soft Tissue Releasing

  • MFR for upper traps, levator scapulae, SCM
  • Stretching of anterior neck muscles
  • Suboccipital release

Trigger Point & Headache Management

  • Dry needling
  • Myofascial cupping
  • Thoracic spine mobilization

Spinal Decompression Therapy (Sub-Acute Phase)

  • Ideal during disc healing
  • Controlled graded decompression
  • Promotes disc hydration
  • Reduces nerve root irritation
  • Helps with radiating pain & numbness

Progressive Strengthening

  • Deep cervical flexor training
  • Scapular stabilizer strengthening
  • Posture control exercises
  • Isometric → isotonic progression

Functional Mobility Training

  • Ergonomic corrections
  • Breathing mechanics improvement
  • Desk posture routine

Goal

Normalize posture, support disc healing, and restore neck–shoulder balance.

Chronic Neck Pain Treatment (6 weeks and beyond)

Common Causes

  • Chronic disc bulge / disc degeneration
  • Cervical spondylosis
  • Facet joint arthritis
  • Upper cross syndrome
  • Chronic muscle imbalance
  • Recurrent cervicogenic headaches
  • Desk-job posture dysfunction
  • Weak deep cervical stabilizers

Our Chronic Treatment Approach

Detailed Biomechanics Analysis

  • Cx–Tx alignment
  • Scapular rhythm
  • Postural endurance
  • Working posture assessment

Advanced Manual Therapy

  • Cervical mobilization (Grade III–V as needed)
  • Thoracic manipulation
  • Deep fascia release
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Chronic dry needling

Long-Term Strengthening

  • Deep neck flexor and extensor strengthening
  • Scapular stabilizer strengthening
  • Postural endurance training
  • Thoracic mobility

Functional Rehabilitation

  • Workstation/habit training
  • Lifting and rotation strategies
  • Daily posture routine
  • Athletic neck-conditioning (if applicable)

Pain Modulation

  • Heat therapy
  • Laser
  • IFT/TENS (as needed)

Spinal Decompression Therapy (Chronic Phase)

  • Highly beneficial for
  • Cervical spondylosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Recurrent disc bulge
  • Chronic nerve root compression
  • Radiculopathy
  • Tight foraminal canals

Spinal Decompression Therapy (Chronic Phase)

  • Benefits:
  • Reduces disc pressure
  • Enhances nutrient flow
  • Restores disc height
  • Reduces nerve irritation
  • Provides long-term relief

Goal

Build a strong, stable, mobile spine with long-term decompression and postural correction.

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