Is Neck Pain Getting In The Way?
Neck pain and stiffness can affect everything. Difficulty turning your head while driving, struggling to work at a computer or sleep comfortably, can slow down everyday life. Sometimes neck pain begins after an injury or sudden movement. Other times, it develops gradually without one obvious cause. Understanding how your symptoms started and how your neck is moving can help determine an appropriate approach to care.
What Can Cause Neck Pain?
Your neck—or cervical spine—is made up of joints, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves that work together to support and move your head.
Neck discomfort may be associated with:
- Muscle or joint irritation
- Stiffness or restricted movement
- Sprains and strains
- Repetitive activities or physical work
- Prolonged or sustained positions
- Sports or everyday injuries
- Auto accident injuries
- Changes involving the discs or nerves of the neck
Sometimes discomfort involving the shoulders, upper back, or surrounding muscles can occur along with neck pain.
What Does Neck Pain Feel Like?
Symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. You may experience:
- Aching or soreness in the neck
- Stiffness or difficulty turning your head
- Sharp pain with certain movements
- Muscle tightness or spasm
- Discomfort extending toward the shoulders or upper back
- Headaches associated with neck pain or stiffness
- Pain, tingling, or numbness extending into an arm
Symptoms extending into the arm or hand may involve irritation of a nerve and deserve further evaluation.
Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
Your visit starts with a history and examination to better understand your symptoms, neck movement, and areas of concern. Depending on your symptoms, we may also evaluate related areas such as the shoulders and upper back.
When chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may include spinal adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic exercise, or other supportive therapies based on your individual needs and examination findings.
If your symptoms or examination suggest that imaging or additional medical evaluation is appropriate, we'll discuss that with you.
When Should Neck Pain Receive Prompt Medical Attention?
Some symptoms should not wait for a routine chiropractic appointment. Seek prompt medical attention for severe neck pain following significant trauma or neck pain accompanied by concerning symptoms such as sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking or walking, loss of consciousness, significant changes in vision, fever with severe neck stiffness, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
Ready To Get Started?
If neck pain or stiffness is interfering with work, sleep, exercise, or everyday activities, schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors.
