Head & Neck Injury
We help people get out of pain so that they can remain fit, healthy and mobile without medications, injections or surgeries.
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How We Can Alleviate Head & Neck Injury
Head, neck, and cervical spine injuries are among the most common conditions treated in physiotherapy. Head and neck injuries vary in severity and may cause temporary or chronic pain.
Injury risk increases with age, but all ages can be affected. Among the most common causes of head and neck injury are falls, motor vehicle accidents, and impact sustained during sports. A sedentary lifestyle, bad posture, and poor sleeping habits are also common sources.
Head and neck pain is often misdiagnosed. However, if left untreated, even mild head and neck pain can significantly impact a person’s overall well-being and productivity. In the long-term, unaddressed head and neck injuries can also lead to more serious chronic diseases, such as obesity, and contribute to mental health conditions.
While they can be debilitating, most head and neck injuries are treatable, especially if diagnosed and addressed early on, and Easy Allied Health can help.
Physiotherapy Can Effectively Treat Head and Neck Injuries
Physiotherapy is an effective method of diagnosing and treating head, neck, and cervical spine injuries. Physiotherapists are trained to use a holistic approach to mitigate head and neck pain that accompanies many injuries. They can also help diagnose and treat unexplained pain in the back and extremities that could come from a seemingly unconnected head or neck injury.
In addition to addressing ongoing ailments, physiotherapists can also provide preventative treatment to reduce the risk of future problems. Preventative therapy can improve strength, balance, and mobility to help avoid some of the common causes of head and neck injury, such as accidental falls and poor posture.
Physiotherapy Can Improve Common Head and Neck Symptoms
The cervical spine and neck area are especially vulnerable to injury from sudden movements, as they support and stabilize the entire weight of the head with limited muscle mass. Though more severe or complicated head and neck injuries may be referred to other specialists, our physiotherapists are well-positioned to treat a variety of conditions, such as:
- Whiplash
- Muscle and ligament strains, sprains, and spasms
- Cervical misalignment or compression
- Impaired mobility
- Tension headaches
- Occipital Neuritis (often misdiagnosed as migraines)
- TMJ
- Arthritis
How It Works - Your Treatment Options
In every case, you can expect your physiotherapist to gather your medical history, conduct an examination, and customize a treatment plan most suitable to your diagnosis. No matter your injury, our caring and compassionate physiotherapists offer careful attention. They strive to educate you and answer your questions every step of the way.
The type, frequency, and length of treatment will vary case by case and depend on an injury’s complexity and severity. The age and overall health of each patient are also determining factors. Your treatment may include:
- manual therapy
- physical rehabilitation
- pain management, including heat/ice application
- an exercise regimen, including an at-home exercise plan
- acupuncture
- counselling
FAQs on Neck and Head Injuries
Let’s look at the answers to some common questions about these types of injuries.
If you have been in an accident involving the head or neck, you should be evaluated for injury, even if you did not suffer any apparent wounds. Symptoms of serious conditions, like a concussion, may not be visible, especially at first.
However, a head or neck injury is possible even without apparent trauma. Signs that you may be suffering from a head or neck injury include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling
- Restricted movement or mobility
- Unexplained headaches
Minor pain or discomfort from a non-traumatic event, such as sleeping in an uncomfortable position, is short-lived and should resolve itself in a few hours. However, pain that continues for several days or is shooting or stabbing in nature may be a sign of an injury and should be evaluated. If left untreated, common head and neck injuries could lead to more severe and chronic conditions that make daily living a challenge.
Your method of treatment will depend on the type, location, and severity of the injury. More complicated or serious injuries may require surgical intervention or medicine. However, physiotherapy is a less invasive and more natural treatment option that has been proven successful at remedying many common head or neck injuries. A professional evaluation is the key to determining which course of treatment is right for you.
Head and neck pain does not have to disrupt your way of life. If you are suffering from a head or neck injury, our physiotherapists can help. You can set up an appointment online, call us at 604-305-0037, or email info@easyalliedhealth.ca. For your convenience, we offer several locations and appointment options.