The majority of us have probably experienced neck pain at least once. In most cases, neck pain usually goes away within a few days or weeks, but pain that persists for months could signal an underlying medical cause that needs to be addressed. In some cases, early intervention may be necessary for the best results. Doctor of Chiropractic are highly experienced to find the cause of your neck pain and provide relief in a sustainable way.
The neck (cervical spine) is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles. It has the important job of providing support and mobility for the head. Common causes of neck pain includes poor posture, repetitive strain injuries, muscle inflammation, whiplash, arthritis, degenerative disc or disc herniation.
Common Symptoms of Neck Pain:
- Stiff neck – Soreness and difficulty moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head from side to side. Patient tend to wake up with it.
- Sharp pain – This pain may be localized to one spot and might feel like it is stabbing or stinging or spasming.
- General soreness – This discomfort is typically felt in a broader area or region of the neck. It is described as tender or achy, not sharp.
- Radicular pain – This pain can radiate along a nerve from the neck into the shoulder and arm. The intensity can vary and this nerve pain might feel like it is burning or searing.
- Cervical radiculopathy – Nerve root compression in the neck (cervical spine) can produce neurological deficits—such as problems with reflexes, sensation, or strength in the arms. Cervical radiculopathy may also be accompanied by radicular pain.
- Headaches – Sometimes an irritation in the neck can affect muscles and nerves connected to the head. Tension headaches, cervicogenic headache are some common examples.
What May Cause Neck Pain And What To Do?
Poor Posture
- Long periods of time spent slouching or hunched over a computer screen or mobile devices can lead to repetitive stress injury or overuse syndrome in the neck, commonly known as the “tech neck” or “text neck”
- When we have a forward head carriage, our head’s weight is actually magnified! At an aligned and neutral stance, our muscles, tendons, and ligaments can effortlessly support the head’s weight—10 to 12 pounds.
- When texting on a phone, it is common to bend the head forward and look down at a 45- or 60-degree angle, which places about 50 to 60 pounds of force on the neck. The neck is not meant to withstand this amount of pressure over a prolonged period.
- Things to try:
- Using better posture by holding devices up closer to eye level or re-evaluating your work ergonomics
- Performing exercises and stretches that specifically target the neck, chest, and upper back
- See our experienced Sports Chiropractors to get a thorough evaluation and develop a plan together to get rid of the pain!
Sleeping In An Awkward Position
- Long periods of time spent slouching or hunched over a computer screen or mobile devices can lead to repetitive stress injury or overuse syndrome in the neck, commonly known as the “tech neck” or “text neck”
- When we have a forward head carriage, our head’s weight is actually magnified! At an aligned and neutral stance, our muscles, tendons, and ligaments can effortlessly support the head’s weight—10 to 12 pounds.
- When texting on a phone, it is common to bend the head forward and look down at a 45- or 60-degree angle, which places about 50 to 60 pounds of force on the neck. The neck is not meant to withstand this amount of pressure over a prolonged period.
- Things to try:
- Using better posture by holding devices up closer to eye level or re-evaluating your work ergonomics
- Performing exercises and stretches that specifically target the neck, chest, and upper back
- See our experienced Sports Chiropractors to get a thorough evaluation and develop a plan together to get rid of the pain!
What To Do When You Have Headaches?
It’s important to identify the type of headache you are experiencing in order to determine the appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing frequent or severe headaches, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for headaches caused by muscle tension, spinal misalignments, dehydration, and other factors. Our Doctors of Chiropractic are highly experienced to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. Sports chiropractor can use a variety of techniques, including spinal adjustments, myofascial release (ART), rehab and strengthening exercises, and nutrition advice, to relieve headaches in athletes and improve your overall performance.
In most cases, patients can experience immediate relief of their pain. A series of spinal manipulation can reduce the frequency of headache episodes. Relaxation exercises and lifestyle changes may be suggested to avoid future headaches. Medical management of headaches usually involves some type of medication that can result in unwanted side effects or dependencies. Chiropractic offers a natural and safe approach to relieving and preventing future headaches.