Why does my neck crack when I turn my head?

Most people have probably asked themselves why their neck cracks when they turn their head. Often, the answer is that they’re experiencing the body’s natural response to neck joint movement. This response is called crepitus by medical professionals, and it’s the popping, crackling, grinding or snapping sounds that you hear when you move your head […]

How can physical therapy be helpful for neck arthritis?

Neck arthritis, or cervical spondylosis, is a condition that can dramatically affect your daily life. Fortunately, physical therapy can be very helpful for managing neck arthritis.  The knowledge that physical therapy is useful for cervical spondylosis could be useful to many Americans. After all, one medical study reports that 90% of men over 50 and […]

What can physical therapy do for your neck arthritis?

There are many things that physical therapy can do for people with neck arthritis. But you have to be open to trying physical therapy in order to get the benefits it can offer.  Neck arthritis is also called cervical spondylosis, and it affects a huge percentage of Americans. One medical study reports that more than […]

How long does a stiff neck last?

A stiff neck can lead to soreness and decreased flexibility that can make something as simple as turning your head difficult. It can also be hard to tell how long a stiff neck will last. In some cases, it might last for a day or two. For other people, their stiffness could last for weeks […]

Three exercises to address a stiff neck on one side

Feeling stiffness on one side of the neck is fairly common. After all, sleeping the wrong way can trigger this issue. It can also come from frequently performed neck or head movements you do at work.  The structures in your neck that become stiff are typically neck muscles. These muscles help rotate, bend, and flex […]

What’s causing the pain in the back of my head at the base of my skull?

The area in the back of your head where the base of your skull meets your neck is a common area to experience pain. In fact, there are many issues that can cause pain there.  In general, neck pain is a common problem in the U.S. Medical researchers report that 5.8% of U.S. women and […]

What causes herniated discs that trigger neck pain?

There are many structures in your neck that can be injured or damaged, and each of them can trigger pain when this happens. However, cervical discs are one structure that can often be the cause of neck pain.  Cervical discs are located between each of your seven neck vertebrae, and these vertebrae are named C1 […]

These problems could be behind your lower neck pain

Feeling pain in the lower part of your neck? Discomfort in this area can be very problematic. In fact, it can make it harder to do any task that requires lifting your arms or turning your head. Fortunately, physical therapists can help you figure out what issue is behind your pain.  Neck pain is one […]

Three ways physical therapy can benefit those with neck arthritis pain

The neck contains many soft tissue structures and joints that can wear out as you age. When this happens, it’s often referred to as cervical osteoarthritis. This condition can lead to pain when doing normal daily activities.  Millions of Americans will end up having to deal with neck osteoarthritis at some point. In fact, medical […]

What physical therapy methods are used for a pinched nerve in the neck?

There are many physical therapy methods that can be used for treating a pinched nerve in the neck. In fact, physical therapists will typically use a combination of therapy methods that is unique to each patient. A pinched nerve in the neck is also called cervical radiculopathy. Medical research indicates that about 2 in every […]

Am I at risk for pain in my neck and shoulder that radiates down my arm?

Almost anyone can feel pain in their neck and shoulder that radiates down their arm. However, there are certain people who may have a higher risk of developing this type of pain.  Pain that starts in the neck and shoulder before radiating down the arm is typically caused by cervical radiculopathy. This condition is more […]

Four tips for how to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder

Nobody is a stranger to a sore or stiff neck or shoulder. Mild soreness and pain is a normal part of life that may occur from overexertion or sitting with poor posture for too long. However, when your neck and shoulders are frequently stiff, it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep.  By […]