Neck Pain

Persistent neck pain is the worst. Without treatment, it keeps you up, limits your mobility, and makes routine activities like driving nearly impossible. At Preserve Physical Therapy in The Woodlands, Texas, board-certified physical therapist Rupal Mehta, PT, MS, DPT, PhD, manages neck pain with manual orthopedic therapies and advanced technology. His knowledge and expertise stop pain at the source and prevent it from worsening. Call or text Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule neck pain treatment, or book your appointment online.

Should I see a physical therapist for neck pain?

Most neck pain is mild and improves with rest and activity changes, but if your symptoms continue or affect your routine, don’t wait to make an appointment at Preserve Physical Therapy. 

Even though most cases of neck pain aren’t serious, certain problems, like herniated discs and arthritis, worsen without treatment. Dr. Mehta has the knowledge and expertise to identify the cause and make personalized care recommendations.

What causes neck pain?

At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta treats neck pain caused by:

• Poor posture
• Muscle tension
• Sleeping in an awkward position
• Herniated cervical discs
• Prolonged sitting while driving or using a computer

Sometimes, neck pain occurs due to a traumatic injury, like a car accident or a slip and fall.

What happens during a physical therapy evaluation for neck pain?

Dr. Mehta reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where in your neck the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if certain activities, like looking from side to side, make it worse.

Dr. Mehta looks at your neck and shoulders, checking for bruising, redness, and swelling. He gently presses on your cervical vertebrae to identify sensitive places and assesses your neck’s muscle strength and range of motion.

Minor neck injuries are often easy to spot, but if Dr. Mehta suspects an underlying issue, like a broken bone or a herniated disc, he orders diagnostic imaging. Procedures like X-rays and MRIs let him look closer at your cervical vertebrae (neck bones) and the surrounding tissues. 

What does physical therapy for neck pain involve?

At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta treats neck pain using manual therapies and innovative technology. He might suggest:

• Joint mobilization
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Myofascial release
• Massage therapy
• Movement training
• Postural training
• Shockwave therapy
• Gait training

Dr. Mehta typically combines one or more of these treatments with biofeedback muscle training. This cutting-edge procedure uses wearable electronic sensors and mind-body techniques to strengthen your muscles, enhance their performance, and speed up recovery. 

How effective is physical therapy for neck pain?

Physical therapy is very effective at relieving neck pain. Most patients who work with Dr. Mehta experience improved symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment and can avoid surgery.

Call or text Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule neck pain treatment or request a new patient form online.