Do you struggle with neck pain? Have you tried simple stretches or ergonomic adjustments, all to no avail? It may be that the source of your neck pain isn’t actually in your neck at all! If you’re looking for neck pain relief, dry needling could be the right solution for you.
Neck pain is one of the more common impairments in Canada. One study suggests that between 15% and 55% of Canadians will experience neck pain at some point. And among people with chronic pain, nearly 40% will experience pain in the neck or back.
Neck pain can have several potential causes. Sometimes, it’s the result of injury, such as with whiplash. Other times, it may result from overuse or improper posture. And sometimes, it may actually be “referred pain”–pain with its source elsewhere in the body that you’re simply experiencing in your neck.
At Ability Physiotherapy (opens in a new tab), our team of physiotherapists can help you uncover the exact source of your neck pain so we can provide the best possible treatment option. One unique technique we often incorporate into neck pain physiotherapy is dry needling, in which we insert long, thin needles into strategic locations on your body.
To learn more about the relationship between neck pain relief and physiotherapy, keep reading–or contact our clinic to schedule an appointment!
Common Causes and Symptoms of Neck Pain
Your experience of neck pain (opens in a new tab) will vary wildly based on its source. One thing our physiotherapists will do is carefully review your exact symptoms so we can help you pinpoint the cause of your neck pain. When describing your neck pain, try to be as specific as possible, as it can present in several ways. You may experience pain that is…
- Sharp and stabbing
- Dull and aching
- Throbbing
- Tingling
You also want to pay attention to any additional symptoms you’re experiencing. Neck pain is usually accompanied by stiffness and other impairments, such as the following:
- Difficulty looking up or over your shoulder
- Neck stiffness or a feeling like your neck is “stuck” in one position
- Weakness, pain, or numbness in the upper back, shoulders, or arms
- Difficulty sitting or standing up straight
- Headaches
Neck pain has several potential causes, which is why it’s important to consider the type and location of your neck pain and any other symptoms you’re experiencing. Common causes of neck pain include the following:
- Strained neck muscles due to overuse or poor posture
- Whiplash due to a car accident or fall
- Spinal issues, such as disc degeneration or cervical osteoarthritis
Dry Needling: A Different Approach To Neck Pain Relief
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that resembles acupuncture, a type of Chinese medicine. While the process is superficially very similar–both techniques involve inserting thin, sterile needles into the skin and upper layers of the muscles–the underlying philosophy is different.
Dry needling focuses on releasing trigger points, small knots that form in your myofascia, the thick, protective tissues that wrap around your muscles. These trigger points can cause pain both at their location and elsewhere in your body. So, for example, you might have a trigger point in your shoulder–but pain and stiffness in your neck.
Inserting a needle into the trigger point “releases” it, helping to release tension on the muscles in your neck–and thus, decreasing pain and improving your neck’s mobility. It works best with other physiotherapy techniques, such as manual therapy, range of motion exercises, or activity modification.
It’s also important to remember that dry needling won’t work in every instance of neck pain. For example, it’s effective for neck pain stemming from muscle strain but may not help neck pain brought on by issues with the vertebral discs. Our therapists will let you know for sure and can provide alternative physiotherapy techniques for pain management.
What to Expect from a Dry Needling Session for Neck Pain Relief
The first thing our therapist will do is determine if dry needling is an effective technique for your particular experience of neck pain. At your initial appointment, we’ll perform a comprehensive physical evaluation, including an in-depth review of your symptoms, to help us understand the underlying cause of your neck pain and immobility.
Once we fully understand your condition, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan. If your plan includes dry needling, we’ll schedule a dedicated dry needling session before we dive into more active treatment approaches, such as therapeutic exercise.
During your dry needling session, you’ll relax on an examination table or chair while our therapist locates the trigger points causing you trouble. We’ll then sterilize the area and gently insert the needle.
Some people experience comfort during dry needling, although it’s not universal. Discomfort usually occurs when the trigger points are tender, and our therapists (opens in a new tab)will work to minimize any potential discomfort throughout your session.
Want to See if Dry Needling is Right For You? Call Us Today!
Dry needling is a unique approach to managing neck pain, providing pain relief and restored mobility so you can focus on building strength and addressing the underlying cause of your neck pain.
If you need neck pain relief, dry needling at Ability Physiotherapy could be the first step to uncovering lasting pain relief! To learn if dry needling is a good choice for you, schedule an appointment at our clinic today (opens in a new tab).
