Do you suffer from pain in your neck that seems to never go away? Pain like this can make it difficult for you to turn or bend your neck, making it harder to get through the day. There are many conditions that cause this type of pain, but one of the more common ones is a herniated disc.

If you’re wondering if your neck pain is related to a herniated disc, check out the list of symptoms below. If you have any of them, you should visit a health care professional, such as a physical therapist, for treatment.

Symptoms of a herniated disc in your neck

Herniated discs usually affect the lower back, but it is certainly possible for you to develop a herniated disc in your neck as well. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms to know when it may be time to seek treatment:

1. Pain in your neck that feels like it stems from around the spine
   
2. Pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulders, arms or hands
   
3. Numbness and tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm or hands
   
4. Weakness in your shoulder, arm or hands

Treatment for a herniated disc in your neck

Treatment for a herniated disc in the neck varies from person to person. If you visit your doctor for treatment, they may recommend medications or physical therapy. You may also visit a physical therapist without needing to see a doctor first, if you’d like to begin treatment more immediately without having to wait for a recommendation.

Physical therapists specialize in treating conditions that affect your bones and joints, such as herniated discs. At Franklin Rehabilitation, we can examine your condition to pinpoint the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover. Many of our treatment plans include methods like:

• Stretches and exercises — Your physical therapist can guide you through stretches and exercises that target the muscles supporting your neck and head. Improving the strength and flexibility of these muscles helps improve support and takes pressure off the spine.
  
• Hands-on therapy — Your physical therapist can use their hands to gently mobilize the soft tissue and joints in your neck. The goal of these hands-on techniques is to help reduce pain, improve your range of motion and break up any scar tissue that may be related to your condition.
  
• Posture guidance — Poor posture increases strain on your neck whenever you sit or stand with your head hunched forward. Your physical therapist can examine your posture and recommend ways to correct it to help reduce strain on your spine.

Visit Franklin Rehabilitation for herniated disc treatment

Do you think the pain in your neck could be related to a herniated disc? Our team can examine your condition to identify the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment to help you recover. Contact our team today for more information about treating a herniated disc in your neck or to schedule an initial appointment.