Neck Pain

What are the common causes of neck pain?

If you’re like most people, you probably pay little attention to your neck unless an issue arises. At that point, you may not be able to think of anything else. Your neck is a complex structure composed of vertebrae, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. It also houses part of your spinal cord.

A problem with any of these components can lead to neck pain. Some of the more common causes include:

• Traumatic injury
• Sports injury
• Whiplash
• Poor posture
• Certain medical conditions
• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated cervical disc
• Fibromyalgia

Determining the cause of your neck pain is the first step in crafting a customized treatment plan.

When should I seek treatment for neck pain?

Many cases of minor neck pain resolve on their own after a short period of self-care. Try to avoid placing undue strain on your neck, perform some gentle stretching routines, and use ice to decrease inflammation and heat to loosen tense muscles.

If your pain persists after a few days, consider booking a visit at Ascent Chiropractic. You should also seek attention in the aftermath of a sports or traumatic injury.

If neck pain interferes with your normal daily routine or is accompanied by a fever, headaches, nausea, or vomiting, you should come in right away for a professional evaluation.

What can be done to treat neck pain?

Chiropractic care is an excellent way to address neck pain. Your practitioner has extensive experience in the full scope of chiropractic treatments and chooses the therapeutic approach that’s right for you.

Spinal adjustment is a common treatment approach. Your chiropractor uses hands-on pressure to manipulate the vertebrae in your upper spine. In many cases, spinal misalignment is a primary cause of neck pain, and when those abnormalities are corrected the undue pressure is eliminated, which helps relieve your pain.

Joint mobilization is another option for treating neck pain. Your chiropractor manually moves your joint components to release tension, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.

Additional treatment options include:

• Neuromuscular re-education
• Lifestyle counseling
• Trigger point release
• Massage therapy

Your practitioner works with you to show you ways to support healthy joints at home. You learn how to improve your posture, perform targeted neck stretches, and boost your nutrition to enhance your joint health.

When you’re ready to say goodbye to neck pain, call the office to learn more about your neck pain treatment options.