Neck pain has a variety of symptoms and causes, and the implications range from mild to severe. Numbness, weakness, tingling, stiffness, muscle spasms, headaches, tightness, and immobility can all be associated with neck pain, depending on the diagnosis. Treatments will be customized to the specific condition, but your plan may include strength-building exercises, stretching, heat or ice, rest, and/or activity.

The most common cause of numbness or tingling in your arm(s) is unnecessary pressure on a nerve in your neck or upper back. The reasons for this pressure vary—abnormal swelling, poor posture, or a tissue protrusion (like a herniated disc) could all be the cause. For a thorough exam and diagnosis, schedule an appointment with your physical therapist.

The word “headache” is a catch-all term that means something different to everyone. There are multiple types of headaches, and each type can have multiple causes, but accurate diagnosis can lead to very effective treatment. Most headaches go away without treatment, but frequent or severe headaches should be taken seriously.

Types of headaches include:

• Tension – the most common type of headache
• Migraine and cluster
• Cranial neuralgias and facial pain
• Secondary – headaches due to an underlying condition such as fever, sinus disorders, or more serious conditions

To treat headaches, your physical therapist will try to discern the type of headache and the cause so that the treatment plan will reduce the frequency and intensity of the headaches.

Lower back pain is often different for each patient, and the causes of lower back pain vary just as widely. Sometimes, the pain is accompanied by stiffness or muscle spasms—it may be sharp some days and dull on others. It may even spread into different parts of your body.

There are three different types of lower back pain:

• Chronic – pain lasts longer than 3 months
• Recurrent – acute symptoms return
• Acute – pain lasts less than 3 months

Some conditions known to be related to lower back pain are degenerative disc disease, lumbar stenosis, herniated disc, spinal tumors, fractures, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. However, in some cases, patients with these conditions are asymptomatic, and in other cases, patients with symptoms do not have any of these conditions.

PRO~PT will perform a physical exam that includes a review of your health history and questions about your symptoms, your pain, and your lifestyle. This test will inform the treatment decisions made by your physical therapist, but typically, treatments will be designed to improve mobility, restore mobility, or reduce pain. Your therapist will also teach you how to prevent future injuries/discomfort and maintain mobility.

The most common cause of numbness or tingling in your leg(s) is unnecessary pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The reasons for this pressure vary—abnormal swelling, poor posture, or a tissue protrusion (like a herniated disc) could all be the cause. For a thorough exam and diagnosis, schedule an appointment with your physical therapist.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, known as both TMD and TMJ, can be caused by several things, including bad posture, chronic jaw clenching, misaligned teeth, lockjaw, displacement, arthritis, fracture, or surgery. Jaw pain is the most common associated symptom. Other symptoms may include jaw popping, jaw fatigue, ringing in your ears, dizziness, headaches, neck pain, and difficulty opening your mouth or chewing.

Physical therapy for TMD consists of changes to your posture, manual therapy for the jaw, and pain treatments. Sometimes, your therapist may refer you to a dentist for additional care.

After lower back surgery, it’s important to maintain a consistent physical therapy routine in order to restore strength and stability to the spine. Recovery usually takes between three and six weeks with physical therapy, but the timing will be adjusted to fit your situation. Your physical therapist will consult with your surgeon to develop a treatment plan customized for your specific needs and abilities.

The Scoliosis Research Society defines scoliosis as a curvature of the spine to the side that also includes rotation. It affects the normal shape of the spine, resulting in uneven shoulders and hips and/or pain surrounding the spine. Your physical therapist can help you build strength, increase mobility and range of motion, and relearn movement patterns, while also manipulating joints and muscles. Scoliosis cannot be prevented, but physical therapy can help patients effectively manage their symptoms.