Neck Pain Chiropractor
Your neck is also known as the cervical spine. It is a delicate structure comprising seven small vertebrae that start at the base of your skull. It bears the weight of your head and allows for a wide range of movements. However, this flexibility can make the neck susceptible to pain and injury.
Several factors contribute to neck issues, including biomechanics. Prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, accidents, falls, blows to the head or body, aging, and everyday wear on joints can all impact the cervical spine.
Chiropractic adjustments offer a safe and non-invasive solution for managing neck pain. Understanding the causes, pain treatments, and diagnosis can help manage this severe persistent pain.
ALLEVIATE THE DAILY neck PAIN FROM YOUR LIFE
Symptoms Of Neck Pain
Many conditions can lead to neck pain. The symptoms of each disorder differ. The main symptom here would be pain in the area of the neck.
The pain will generally be located at the rear side of the neck and affect the sides. Sometimes, a larger space may be affected too.
Here are some of the most Common Symptoms:
- Constant aching neck
- Muscle strain
- Arthritis
- Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Numbness
- Fibromyalgia
- Fracture
- Cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression)
Accompanying symptoms can help a person determine what the cause could be. Inflammation is a common symptom that may accompany neck pain. It is also essential to take notice when lymph nodes are swollen, alongside neck pain. This may be an indication of an infection.
Possible Causes Of Neck Pain
Neck pain itself is not considered a condition. Instead, neck pain will be a symptom that signals an underlying cause. In some cases, the reason is mild and not something to be concerned about. An example would be an improper sleeping position.
This can cause strain on the neck, leading to temporary pain symptoms. There are cases where these symptoms signal something more serious.
Possible causes of neck pain that people should be aware of include:
- Poor posture
- Prolonged Straining is also a cause of neck pain.
- A throat infection can be caused by either a virus or bacterium. This will cause the lymph nodes to swell up too.
- Meningitis can also cause neck pain. This condition also causes the neck to feel stiff.
- Fibromyalgia can affect the muscles in the neck, leading to pain symptoms.
Degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis can also be the common causes of neck pain.
Temporary Pain Relief From Neck Pain
There are a few ways to relieve neck pain temporarily. These ways can help to reduce the amount of inflammation affecting the neck area.
Let’s take a look at all the home remedies for pain relief options including:
- Apply an ice pack to the neck for pain reduction
- Engage in gentle stretching exercises
- Avoid sudden movements to prevent strain on the neck
- Consider acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for pain relief
These temporary relief methods can offer quick alleviation of neck pain, providing comfort until more comprehensive measures are taken.
Diagnosis & Imaging Tests To find Causes
Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and conduct an exam. The exam checks for tenderness, numbness, and muscle weakness, and assesses your neck’s range of motion.
Here are some imaging tests that might help find the cause of the neck pain:
- X-rays: It can reveal issues like pinched nerves or bone spurs in the neck.
- CT Scans: This test can provide detailed cross-sectional views of neck structures from different angles.
- MRI: It uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of bones, the spinal cord, and soft tissues like disks and nerves.
How is neck pain Can be managed or treated?
The most common types of mild to moderate neck pain usually respond within two or three weeks to self-care. If pain relievers or prescribed medications don’t help, your healthcare provider might suggest some chiropractic treatments for neck pain.
Let’s understand all the most effective treatments for neck pain to relieve pain.
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in targeted exercises and stretches under the guidance of a physical therapist helps improve neck strength and flexibility, reducing pain and promoting long-term wellness.
- Soft Neck Collar: Wearing a soft neck collar provides gentle support, limiting movement and promoting healing by reducing strain on the neck muscles.
- Alternative Therapies: Options like acupuncture and massage offer non-invasive relief, addressing tension and promoting relaxation to alleviate neck pain effectively.
- Surgery (Last Option): Surgery is considered only when all other options fail, aiming to correct underlying issues contributing to persistent and severe neck pain.
- Postural & Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting daily habits and posture can significantly impact neck pain. Maintaining proper ergonomics and incorporating healthy lifestyle choices contribute to long-term relief.
- Neck Pain Exercises: Specific exercises designed to strengthen and stretch neck muscles help enhance flexibility and reduce pain, forming a crucial part of a comprehensive neck pain management plan.
We Can Help With neck pain in Bellevue, WA
If you’re dealing with neck pain in Bellevue, WA, we’re here to help!
Our skilled chiropractor in Bellevue and a friendly team specialize in treating neck discomfort. Whether it’s a lingering issue or just a minor ache, we’ve got personalized solutions to ease your pain. Don’t let neck discomfort hold you back from enjoying life. Book an appointment today with us for caring and effective relief.
Our goal is to make you feel better and improve your overall well-being. Take the first step towards a pain-free life by booking an appointment today. We’re here to help you feel your best!
Book An Appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us on (425) 6370094 or by using booking tool below
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be the long-term problems due to untreated neck pain?
Recognition and treatment of neck pain are essential. This can help a person reduce the risk of certain complications. If neck pain is not treated early, it can cause chronic neck pain.
Osteoarthritis can lead to severe pain and, in some cases, even disability.
Why Does My Neck Hurt On The Left Side?
A pinched nerve can cause pain that affects the left side of the neck. Sometimes, muscle strain can also cause the neck to pain only on one side. These problems generally occur when the excess strain was placed on tendons and muscles on the affected side of the neck.
Is it Dangerous To Massage Your Neck?
Even though the neck is considered a vulnerable area of the body, massages are generally safe. The person providing the massage must be experienced. Some rare side-effects may lead to dangerous complications. This includes spinal cord injury, as well as tearing of vertebral arteries.
What Is Chiropractic Neck Manipulation?
Chiropractic care for neck pain is common. It involves cervical manipulation. An experienced chiropractor manipulates the seven upper vertebrae part of the spinal column. This may help to alleviate pain associated with pinched nerves and several other problems.
When should I Go To The Doctor For Neck Pain?
It is important to recognize signs that neck pain is signaling something serious. A person should see a doctor if the pain starts after they had an injury. It is also essential to see a doctor if the pain spreads to the arms or the lower body. When there is a weakness in the arms and hands, the patient should also see a doctor. Signs of infection should be recognized too. This can include a fever, as well as swollen lymph nodes.
