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Person holding their neck and upper back in pain

Neck Pain Relief

The Surprising Connection Between Neck Pain and A Weak Upper Back

Plus, A Tale of Two Patients: One Who Strength-Trained, and One Who Didn’t

Do you ever find yourself trying to rub out a sore spot in your neck or find it difficult to turn your head? Neck pain is a common concern that can range from a mild nuisance to a big problem. And while neck pain can have several different causes, one contributing factor often gets overlooked: weakness in the shoulders or upper back.

When we deal with persistent aches and pains, poor muscle strength often turns out to be a significant underlying factor. When a muscle isn’t as strong as it should be, other muscles have to step in to compensate, which puts unnecessary strain on them — and makes them more susceptible to overuse injuries. The result? Seemingly random aches and pains that “come out of nowhere.”

Case Studies

A Tale of Two Patients

Let’s look at two case studies from the Aspen Rehab files. Both people suffered from neck pain, but only one went through a dedicated strength training program (both names have been changed). What happened next?

Ally’s Story No Time for Strength-Training

Physical therapist performing manual therapy on a patient’s neck

Ally was a receptionist who spent long days typing on a computer, answering the phone, and doing other clerical work. She started to notice a slight pain in her neck while she was at work. Although she ignored it at first, the pain persisted. She knew she needed to seek help.

Ally made an appointment with us, where we took her through a comprehensive assessment, including several movement and functional screens. We determined that she had strained the soft tissue in her neck due to her sedentary job.

We started Ally’s treatment with acute pain management using manual therapy techniques and some gentle mobility stretches, which did help her immediate symptoms. However, we knew it wouldn’t be enough to fully resolve her pain, so we suggested she begin a multi-week therapeutic exercise program to restore strength in her upper back and shoulders, helping to reduce the strain on her neck.

Unfortunately, Ally had decided to go back to school, and between work, her classes, and her family, she simply didn’t have time for physical therapy.

The Outcome

While we were able to help Ally in the short term, her pain persisted in the long term, eventually landing her back in our clinic a year later.

Sarah’s Story A Dedicated Strength Training Program

Patient strength training with guidance from a physical therapist

Sarah’s situation was very similar to Ally’s. She was a marketing assistant who also spent a great deal of time on both her laptop and a mobile phone, and she also experienced a gradual onset of neck pain. And, like Ally, she paid us a visit when it became too much.

We gave her a similar diagnosis: a strained neck muscle brought on by improper posture and prolonged sitting. We also provided her with acute pain relief. The difference? Sarah was able to continue her treatment with a six-week therapeutic exercise program.

We met with Sarah twice weekly to guide her through a custom set of targeted neck, shoulder, and upper back exercises. We started with gentle stretches and mobility work before progressing to resistance training exercises. With the help of some dumbbells and an exercise band, Sarah built strength through her upper body, providing her neck with the support it needed.

We also helped Sarah set up her workstation to be more ergonomic, including adjusting the height of her computer monitor and rearranging her keyboard. And we gave her some tips for maintaining postural awareness throughout the day.

  • Twice-weekly guided sessions for six weeks
  • Stretches and mobility work, progressing to resistance training
  • An ergonomic workstation setup
  • Tips for postural awareness throughout the day
The Outcome

After six weeks, Sarah’s neck pain was entirely resolved — and she didn’t have to seek additional treatment!

Ally at a Glance

Pain reliefYes
Strength programNo
ResultBack in clinic a year later

Sarah at a Glance

Pain reliefYes
Strength program6 weeks
ResultPain fully resolved

Lasting Relief Starts Here

Ready To Attack Your Neck Pain at the Source?

If you’re struggling with persistent neck pain, physical therapy at Aspen Rehab can help you find lasting relief. Just as we did with Ally and Sarah, we’ll assess your symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan that seeks to resolve your neck pain altogether.

Call us today to get started!

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723111/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6093121/

Year-End Reminder
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Your benefits are there to support your health. Don’t let the year end with unused coverage.

Use Your Benefits Before the Year Ends

Have you checked your physical therapy benefits for the year? If you’ve met your deductible, you may have already paid toward the cost of your care, making the end of the year a great time to use any remaining benefits. Whether you’re dealing with an ongoing injury, nagging pain, stiffness, or a movement limitation, physical therapy can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy. Don’t let your benefits go unused! Contact our team today to schedule your appointment and make the most of your coverage before the year comes to a close.

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Thanksgiving Wellness Guide

Innovative Approaches to Physical Wellness this Thanksgiving Season

Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s a time to come together and celebrate what we’re thankful for. While traditional advice often emphasizes the basics, let’s elevate your approach to physical well-being this season with these cutting-edge tips:

Move Well • Feel Well • Enjoy the Season

Three Ways to Support Your Well-Being This Thanksgiving

1

Dynamic Warm-Up Before the Turkey Trot

If you’re planning a Thanksgiving morning run or family games, forget old-school stretching. Use a dynamic warm-up to prep your muscles and boost your range of motion.

2

Text Neck Prevention

As we catch up on social media or text friends and family Thanksgiving wishes, “text neck” can be a real issue. Counteract this by sitting tall or not at all and doing neck stretches every hour.

3

Mindfulness Through Movement

Instead of sitting to meditate or relax, try combining mindfulness with gentle movements like Tai Chi or a light stroll through the neighborhood.

Make Your Well-Being Part of the Celebration

Embrace your health by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being to ensure you have the best Thanksgiving yet!

Tim Weyant
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Tim Weyant

Physical Therapist
Executive Director/ Owner 

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Vesna Radivojevic

Physical Therapist Assistant

Erika Davila
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Erika Davila

Marketing Director/ Computer Technology

Andrea Weyant
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Andrea Weyant

Chief Operating Officer

Kimberley Friedmann
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Kimberley Friedmann

Physical Therapist Assistant

Fresh Flavor • Seasonal Favorite

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate

Bring a little color and flavor to your table with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with bright pomegranate, crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and fresh citrus zest.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • Seeds from 1 pomegranate
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Put the Brussels sprouts in a medium roasting pan; toss with the canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until light golden brown and a knife inserted into the centers goes in without any resistance, about 45 minutes.

Transfer the sprouts to a large bowl and add the pomegranate molasses, pomegranate seeds, hazelnuts, and lime and orange zests. Season with salt as needed.

A Delicious Way to Add More Color to Your Plate

Enjoy this recipe as a flavorful side dish that brings together sweet-tart pomegranate, citrus brightness, and the satisfying crunch of toasted hazelnuts. It’s a colorful addition to a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, with plenty of delicious textures in every bite!

Exercise of the Month

Shoulder Shrugs

Watch the Exercise

SHOULDER SHRUGS

Stand tall with your arms at your sides, holding a dumbbell in each hand (optional). Slowly lift your shoulders up toward your ears in a shrugging motion. Hold briefly at the top, then lower your shoulders back down with control.

Sets 3 Sets
Reps 10 Reps
Materials Needed Optional Dumbbells