Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most frequent issues we address at our practice. With the increasing time spent at workstations and on digital devices at home, it’s no wonder so many people experience discomfort in their neck.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of neck pain include the following:

• Muscle tightness and spasms
• A decreased ability to move your head
• Headache

Common Causes

Due to the flexibility of your neck and its responsibility for supporting the weight of your head, it’s more prone to injuries and conditions that can lead to pain and limited mobility. Chiropractic care is an effective way to address these issues. Here are some of the most common causes of neck pain:

Muscle strains. Things like sitting for many hours hunched over your computer often triggers muscle strains. Even reading in bed—especially if you don’t have proper neck support—can strain neck muscles.

Worn joints. As you age, your neck joints tend to wear down. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then develops bone spurs that affect joint motion and result in pain.

Nerve compression. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can put pressure on the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord.

Injuries. A rear-end auto collision often results in a whiplash injury. This type of injury occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, resulting in the soft tissues of the neck being strained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to have my neck adjusted?

What other things can I do to address neck pain?