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Neck Pain

At Fortitude & Freedom, we understand how neck pain can affect every aspect of your life. From everyday activities like walking or driving to playing sports and enjoying hobbies, neck pain can be debilitating and cause significant discomfort. That's why we have developed a personalized approach to treating neck pain that looks at the root causes of the issue and helps you build strength, flexibility, and stability in your neck. Our customized treatment plans are designed to relieve neck pain while helping you get back to the activities you love.

Causes of Neck Pain

Joint inflammation: Joint inflammation is a common cause of neck pain and can occur after an injury or due to excessive mobility or lack of stability in the neck. The inflammation can increase pressure in the joints, causing swelling  and pain.

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Muscle tension: Muscle tension in the neck often occurs from poor posture, anxiety, or stress. It can lead to spasms or trigger points that cause referred pain up to the head or down the shoulders or arms.  Muscle tension can also lead to neck and shoulder stiffness.

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Postural deviations: Poor posture can strain the neck due to muscle adaptations, resulting in pain and discomfort. This is often seen with slouching or looking down at a computer screen for extended periods.

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Joint stiffness of upper back and shoulders: Over time, the muscles and joints in the upper back and shoulders can become stiff and lose their range of motion. This can cause discomfort or tightness in the neck, making it difficult to turn or move your head freely.

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Weakness of the upper back, neck and shoulders: Weakness in the muscles of the upper back, neck and shoulders can cause pain and instability when moving your head or neck.

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Poor stress management, poor sleep habits, and poor dietary habits: Poor lifestyle choices can increase the risk of neck pain. Chronic stress, poor sleep habits, and unhealthy dietary habits can negatively impact your musculoskeletal health.

How Fortitude & Freedom Can Help
Treat Neck Pain in Waukee

​At Fortitude & Freedom, we use a combination of physical therapy interventions to help relieve neck pain. Our treatment plans may include the following:

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  • Thorough evaluation: including injury/medical history, job requirements, exercise history, stress management, sleep habits and nutrition habits.
     

  • Movement analysis: including functional movement patterns, walking and/or running: We use detailed movement analysis to identify any postural deviations, mobility deficits or muscle imbalances contributing to neck pain.
     

  • Manual therapy: Manual therapy helps to restore the range of motion and function in the neck by stretching, mobilizing, and manipulating the joints and muscles. We also use instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, myofascial cupping, regenerative dry needling, trigger point therapy and muscle energy techniques to reduce tension and pain. 
     

  • Mobility exercises: We use unique joint mobilization techniques to restore normal range of motion in areas of stiffness. Imbalances in mobility can lead to excessive strain in certain parts of the body. Restoring normal joint motion allows the individual to benefit more from strengthening.
     

  • Strengthening exercises: We use specific functional strengthening exercises to help restore strength and stability in the neck, shoulders, upper back and torso. Strengthening muscles helps improve posture, reduce strain on the neck, and prevent further injuries.

 

At Fortitude & Freedom, we understand how painful neck issues affect your life.  We use a customized approach to treating neck pain to help you find relief while getting you back to doing the activities you love.

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