Aside from low back pain, neck pain is the second most common type of spinal-related pain. Neck pain can vary in intensity, from mild and annoying pain to severe and debilitating. Neck pain can result in sensation that is local to the area but may also result in symptoms that travel into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Neck pain also commonly leads to headaches. It is important to understand the causes and symptoms and seek chiropractic, physical therapy, or massage services at our clinic for relief.
Causes of Neck Pain
Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shock between the bones. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support your head and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness.
In many cases neck issues are due to poor posture or overuse. Sometimes, the cause is injury from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash.
Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. But in some cases, neck pain can indicate serious injury or illness and require expert care. Neck pain or stiffness can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Spinal or vertebral misalignment
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated or bulged discs
- Poor posture
- Sitting or driving for extended periods
- Working at a desk or computer
- Prolonged use of electronic devices
- Repetitive motion
- Motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Sports injuries
- Old or new injuries, including slips and falls
- Arthritis or joint and disc degeneration
What Are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?
To get the best treatment, it’s important to recognize and understand the symptoms—and what they mean. Your symptoms are a clue to the underlying spinal condition causing your pain. When describing your symptoms to your doctor, be as accurate as possible. This will help him/her better figure out your neck pain, diagnose the cause, and get started on a treatment plan. Symptoms may include the following:
- Restricted or painful range of motion
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Wrist pain or hand pain
- Arm pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Loss of grip strength
- Headaches or migraines
- Vertigo
- Muscle tightness in the neck or upper back
- Torticollis or wry neck
- TMJ or jaw pain
- Facial pain, tingling, or numbness
You must treat your neck pain properly. Seek medical attention if your pain or related symptoms persists for more than a few days—and seek immediate attention if you have neck pain with any of the following emergency signs:
- High fever
- Sensitivity to light
- Irritability
- Severe tenderness with neck movement
- Numbness, weakness, and/or tingling
- You have recently sustained a head or neck injury
Pay attention to your neck pain and other symptoms. It may be a sign that you have a more serious spine condition.
How can I treat my neck pain?
Chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and proper nutrition can be effective in treating and managing neck pain.
Compassionate Comprehensive Care
Whether you’ve been in an auto accident, experienced an on-the-job injury, or have issues stemming from a long-term condition, Dr. Ibolit’s experienced staff are committed to you and your recovery. Being a full-service facility allows you to get the comprehensive services you need, all in one place. We even have staff members who are fluent in Russian and Spanish. Your health and recovery are in capable hands at Dr. Ibolit Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Massage.
