What’s With That Pain?

Know How Physical Therapy Can Help You Improve Your Health

By Frank J. Scerbo PT, DPT ///

Neck and back pain are among the most common complaints among adults, often disrupting daily life, work, and overall well-being. Whether your discomfort stems from poor posture, an injury, or a chronic condition, physical therapy can be a game-changer. With expert guidance and targeted treatments, you can regain mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen your body to prevent future issues.

Common Causes of Neck and Back Pain

Understanding the root cause of your pain is the first step toward lasting relief. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

1. Poor Posture
Spending hours hunched over a desk, staring at a screen, or looking down at your phone strains your spine. Over time, poor posture weakens muscles and leads to chronic pain.

2. Muscle Strains & Sprains
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly, sudden awkward movements, or overuse of muscles can cause painful strains or sprains in the neck and back.

3. Herniated Discs
A slipped or bulging disc can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, neck, or even down the arms and legs.

4. Degenerative Conditions
Osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease contribute to chronic pain and mobility issues over time.

5. Injuries & Accidents
Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause whiplash or spinal injuries, leading to long-term discomfort if not properly treated.

6. Stress & Tension
Emotional stress can lead to muscle tightness, especially in the neck and upper back, resulting in stiffness, headaches, and discomfort.

Common Causes of Neck and Back Pain

Pain isn’t the only red flag—be mindful of these signs that could indicate a deeper issue:

• Persistent stiffness or aching in the neck, shoulders, or back.

• Sharp or shooting pain when moving or changing positions.

• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.

• Limited range of motion or difficulty turning your head or bending over.

• Frequent headaches, often stemming from neck tension.

• Muscle weakness that impacts daily activities.

How Scerbo Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical Therapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to treat neck and back pain. At Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, our skilled physical therapists create personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms and lifestyle. Here are some of the key techniques we use in our Neck and Back Physical Therapy program at our clinic:

1. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release help reduce pain, improve circulation, and restore mobility.

2. Therapeutic Exercises
Strengthening and stretching exercises target the muscles that support the spine, improving posture, stability, and flexibility.

3. Postural Training & Ergonomics
Learning how to sit, stand, and move correctly helps prevent strain and reduces pain in everyday activities.

4. Heat & Cold Therapy
Applying heat relaxes tight muscles, while cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs acute pain.

5. Electrical Stimulation (TENS)
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses gentle electrical pulses to block pain signals and promote healing.

6. Dry Needling & Acupuncture
These techniques help release muscle knots (trigger points) and relieve chronic pain through targeted stimulation.

7. Spinal Traction
This technique gently stretches the spine to alleviate pressure on compressed discs and nerves.

8. Education & Lifestyle Modifications
Our therapists provide guidance on sleeping positions, proper lifting techniques, and ways to modify daily activities to reduce strain on your neck and back.

Prevention: Keeping Your Spine Healthy

While physical therapy helps you recover from pain, adopting a few healthy habits can prevent future issues:

• Maintain good posture when sitting and standing.

• Take breaks from prolonged sitting or screen time.

• Stay active with regular stretching and strengthening exercises.

• Use proper body mechanics when lifting heavy objects.

• Invest in ergonomic furniture to support your spine.

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Final Thoughts

Neck and back pain don’t have to control your life. At Scerbo Physical Therapy, we take a holistic, non-invasive approach to pain relief—addressing the root causes and equipping you with the tools for long-term spinal health. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to prevent future discomfort, our expert physical therapists can help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.

If you’re struggling with neck or back pain, schedule a consultation with our team today. Your spine will thank you!

Contact us today to schedule your personalized assessment with one of our expert physical therapists and certified sports trainers.