Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common complaint, yet there are many different reasons why people may experience this issue...

A high-quality assessment is essential to correctly classify neck pain and ensure the most effective treatment is provided. A physiotherapist is well suited to manage neck pain and will provide a proper overview of the assessment, classification, and treatment process.

The most important component of the assessment is ruling out any serious medical conditions that may present with neck pain. For instance, a heart attack may present with both chest and neck pain while meningitis, a severe infection, presents with fever and a stiff neck. If you suspect either of these conditions you should seek immediate medical care.

Physiotherapists are trained to identify and appropriately refer to other health care providers if any of these conditions are identified.
After ruling out red flags, the neck pain is most likely to have a mechanical (musculoskeletal) cause and can be classified and treated by a physiotherapist.

Following the most recent guidelines, neck pain is often classified into four categories depending on the primary issues associated with the pain, these four categories are:  

1. Neck pain with mobility deficits
2. Neck pain with movement coordination impairments
3. Neck pain with headache
4. Neck pain with radiation arm pain

Let's look at these categories in more detail ...

Neck pain with mobility deficits...

This category essentially means stiff neck pain or being unable to move well through the full range of motion. Patients often report that moving their neck a specific direction reproduces their pain. This category also includes computer posture-related conditions that present with neck and shoulder pain and back and neck muscle pain.

As stiffness is the primary issue, treatment initially focuses on regaining movement in your neck, shoulders, and back. Once the stiffness is improved, the next step is strengthening all the muscles so they can best support the neck, back, and shoulders to maintain better posture.

Neck pain with movement coordination impairments ...

Also known as whiplash or neck strain. This category of neck pain largely occurs after traumas such as falls or motor vehicle accidents.

During the trauma, the neck undergoes a significant amount of mechanical stress and normally stable structures like joints often become looser. The muscles are also disrupted and respond by becoming tight and weak.

Initially, treatment focuses on managing the pain post-injury, then progresses to a gradual strengthening program. Not only do the muscles have to become stronger, but they also have to re-learn how to contract smoothly.

Neck pain with headache or radiating arm pain ...

Both of these categories are less common and require a more in-depth assessment.

While there are many types of headaches, if the headache is unilateral, non-pulsating, and associated with neck pain then it may be due to dysfunction in the upper segments of the neck. Treatment focuses on ensuring proper movement and strength through the involved segments.

For neck pain with radiating arm pain, these patients often have tingling and numbness that runs down the arm past the elbow. In this category, the arm pain is actually due to nerve dysfunction occurring in the neck and the arm pain can typically be increased or decreased depending on neck movements and postures. Treatment focuses on reducing the irritability of the nerve and addressing the underlying cause of the nerve dysfunction.

Let's get you back to normal!

While neck injuries can be frustrating, a physiotherapist can guide patients through the injury, from diagnosis to return to activity, and ensure the best possible care is provided throughout the process!

For individualized assessment and treatment of neck pain, call or visit your nearby Panther Sports Medicine Physiotherapy clinic today!

Locations & Hours

10 Convenient Locations in Calgary. All Physiotherapy clinics have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Saturday appointments are available at select locations.
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Panther Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centres are a network of ten clinics, physiotherapist operated, serving Calgary and surrounding areas. Our team offers a wide range of services including physiotherapy, massage therapy, and sports injury rehabilitation to help our clients reduce pain and recover from injuries. Panther Sports Medicine has been proudly serving our community for over 30 years.
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COUNTRY HILLS
403-226-5733

11950 Country Village Link NE
Calgary, AB
OAKRIDGE
403-258-2659

10003 - 24th Street SW
Calgary, AB
CRANSTON MARKET
403-455-1888

2010, 356 Cranston Road SE
Calgary, AB
TRICO CENTRE
403-278-5311

11150 Bonaventure Drive SE
Calgary, AB
SETON
403-764-6337

4995 Market Street SE
Calgary, AB
DEER VALLEY
403-475-1755

Suite 102, 83 Deerpoint Rd. SE
Calgary, AB
MARLBOROUGH MALL
403-272-4202

425 Marlborough Way NE
Calgary, AB
SOUTH FISH CREEK
403-225-0210

333 Shawville Blvd SE
Calgary, AB
MCKENZIE TOWNE
403-257-6238

210 - 11 McKenzie Towne Avenue SE
Calgary, AB
WALDEN
587-356-4327

130, 19606 Walden Blvd SE
Calgary, AB
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