Neck Pain

What causes neck pain?

The neck, or cervical spine, comprises of seven vertebrae with intervertebral discs in between. Neck pain can result from any injury or degenerative conditions that harm these components. Common causes of neck pain include:

Poor posture

Hunching over for long periods can cause chronic inflammation and pain in the neck due to stress on supporting muscles and tendons. Poor posture at desk jobs increases vulnerability to neck pain.

Misalignment

Misalignment of the spine, also known as spinal subluxation, is a condition where the vertebrae of the spine are not properly aligned with each other. This can cause nerve interference, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and a variety of other symptoms. Misalignment can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, poor posture, and repetitive stress. Chiropractic adjustments and other forms of manual therapy can often help to realign the spine and relieve associated symptoms.

Muscle strain

A sudden movement can strain the soft tissues in your neck and cause pain. While rest and anti-inflammatories can help, a pulled muscle can lead to chronic pain if not healed properly.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a long-lasting medical condition that results in continuous inflammation of joints. Osteoarthritis (OA), which is the most common type of arthritis, leads to the gradual wearing down of the cartilage that acts as a cushion for your joints. As a result, the vertebrae in your neck may start to rub against each other, causing persistent pain over time.

Herniated disc

The intervertebral discs are meant to cushion your vertebrae and add flexibility. These discs consist of a hard casing with a soft center. When the casing degenerates or becomes damaged, the soft center can push through, irritating surrounding nerves.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column gradually narrows and compresses the nerves in the spine. Symptoms include neck pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

When you experience neck pain, the first step to diagnose the problem is to review your medical history. After that, your chiropractor/physical therapist will ask you questions about your symptoms, such as when you first started experiencing pain, where it hurts, and whether any at-home remedies have helped alleviate your symptoms. Based on the information collected, your chiropractor/physical therapist will perform a comprehensive physical examination.

In some cases, Dr. Adonis or Dr. Previll, your chiropractor & physical therapist, may order additional tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to get a more accurate diagnosis of your condition. These imaging tests help them locate the exact area of your pain, allowing for targeted treatment to give you relief.

What are the treatments for neck pain?

Chiropractic care now includes a variety of techniques and treatments beyond spinal adjustments. Following a consultation with Dr. Adonis or Dr. Pevill, they may suggest one or more personalized treatments to alleviate neck pain.

Massage therapy

Easy Reach Chiropractic has a licensed massage therapist on-site to provide fast relief by stimulating the soft tissues in your neck. Regular massage/manual therapy can help increase blood circulation, alleviate pain and accelerate healing.

Class 4 laser therapy

Class 4 laser therapy is a treatment that uses laser energy to improve neck hardening and soft tissue damage. Whether you have arthritis or a pulled muscle, class 4 laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and stimulate healing by numbing pain.

Acoustic shock wave therapy

Acoustic shock wave therapy involves sending low-intensity shock waves directly into your area of pain. This non-invasive, non-medication treatment stimulates blood flow and repairs tissue damage for accelerated healing in the neck.

To learn more about neck pain treatments at Easy Reach Chiropractic, call the office to book an appointment.