It’s normal to have neck pain at points in life. For example, if you go to sleep in an awkward position, you’ll likely wake up with neck pain. Usually, pain like this goes away after a little time or some home treatments and stretching. However, some types of neck pain last long or are more intense than usual. When accompanied by symptoms like a throbbing sensation, you might start to feel concerned.

A throbbing pain in your neck is usually not something life threatening or debilitating. It is painful and limits the use of your neck, but in many cases, it is treatable with physical therapy.

What causes a throbbing pain in the neck?

Throbbing pain in the neck is usually attributed to tight muscles or compressed nerves in the neck. The tightness of the muscles increases strain on the spine and other tissue in your neck, which can increase pressure on the nerves running through it. 

The reason this happens can be as simple as overexertion or poor posture, but it could also be related to chronic conditions, including:

• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
• Strain
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Diabetes

Treatment for throbbing pain in the neck

Treatments for neck pain vary depending on the exact cause of the pain and other factors, such as your age, weight and medical history. A physical therapist can examine your neck to identify the source of your pain. Using what they learn from your personal information and this examination, they can develop a personalized treatment routine to help you manage the pain and reach your recovery goals.

The methods used in your treatment vary depending on your condition, but you can usually expect treatment to include:

• Stretches and exercises to improve strength and flexibility of key muscles in the neck.
• Hands-on therapy to help reduce tension and break up any scar tissue.
• Posture guidance to help you correct poor posture habits that increase stress on your neck.
• Patient guidance for how to move around while recovering and to reduce your chances of making your pain worse.

Visit Rehab Access for neck pain treatment

Is a constant, throbbing neck pain making it difficult for you to move your neck around? This can make simple daily tasks, such as driving, more challenging or even unsafe. Our physical therapists at Rehab Access are here to help. We can examine your neck and guide you through a personalized treatment routine to help you manage your condition. Contact our team today for more information about treating neck pain or to schedule an initial appointment.