Neurologic & Vestibular physical therapists in Scottsdale, Arizona

Neurologic & vestibular guides

• Can't Turn Your Head to One Side? Here's What It Means and What to Do

  Suddenly being unable to turn your head to one side is usually acute torticollis ("wry neck") — a muscle spasm that locks the neck, often appearing after sleep or an awkward movement. It's painful but almost always harmless and settles within a few days to two weeks. Gentle movement and warmth help. If it followed an injury or comes with arm symptoms, dizziness, or severe headache, get it assessed.

• Pinched Nerve in the Neck (Herniated Disc): Symptoms, Causes & PT Treatment

  A "pinched nerve" in the neck usually means a herniated or bulging disc is irritating a nearby nerve root. This often causes neck pain plus pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness traveling into the shoulder, arm, or hand. The good news: most cases improve within weeks to a few months with physical therapy and time, and surgery is rarely needed. Hand clumsiness or balance trouble needs prompt evaluation.

• Cervical Radiculopathy (Neck & Arm Nerve Pain): Symptoms, Causes & PT Treatment

  Cervical radiculopathy is irritation or compression of a nerve root in the neck, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels down the arm in a specific pattern. It's commonly caused by a herniated disc or age-related narrowing. Most cases improve within weeks to a few months with physical therapy and staying active. Hand clumsiness, balance problems, or bladder/bowel changes need prompt evaluation.

• Neck Arthritis (Cervical Spondylosis): Symptoms, Causes & PT Treatment

  Cervical spondylosis is age-related "wear" of the neck's discs and joints — it's so common that most older adults have it, often without any pain. When it does cause symptoms, you may feel neck stiffness, aching, and reduced motion. It's not a reason to stop moving; physical therapy that keeps the neck strong and mobile helps most people. Arm weakness, hand clumsiness, or balance trouble needs evaluation.