Neck Pain
There are multiple causes and reasons for your neck pain. We'll go over some of more common conditions we see and treat here in our office.
- Upper Cross Syndrome
- Headaches
- Neck sprain/strain
- Disc Pain
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- TMJ Dysfunction
Upper Cross Syndrome
Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is a common postural imbalance characterized by tightness and weakness in specific muscles of the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back. This condition arises from prolonged periods of poor posture, such as slouching or excessive time spent sitting at a desk, leading to muscle imbalances and dysfunction. UCS can result in chronic neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and reduced range of motion in the affected areas.
Symptoms:
- Forward head posture (head juts forward)
- Rounded shoulders
- Increased curvature of the upper spine (thoracic kyphosis)
- Tightness and/or pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Weakness and/or fatigue in the muscles of the upper back and neck
- Headaches, especially tension-type headaches
Headaches
Headaches are a common ailment affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, characterized by pain or discomfort in the head or neck region. While headaches can have various causes, including stress, dehydration, sinus issues, or underlying medical conditions, they are often associated with tension and misalignment in the spine and neck. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to managing headaches by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting spinal health.
Types of Headaches:
- Tension Headaches: These headaches are often described as a dull, achy pain that feels like a tight band around the head. They are commonly associated with muscle tension and stress.
- Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches originate from the cervical spine (neck) and may be accompanied by neck pain or stiffness. They can result from poor posture, spinal misalignment, or muscle imbalances.
- Migraines: Migraine headaches are characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances. While the exact cause of migraines is complex and multifactorial, spinal misalignment and muscle tension may contribute to their onset or severity.
Neck Sprain/Strain
Neck sprains and strains are common injuries that occur due to sudden movements, overuse, poor posture, or trauma to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the neck region. These injuries can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Neck Sprains are injuries that involve a tearing of the affected ligaments, Neck Strains involve a tearing of the muscle in the affected area. Chiropractic care offers a conservative and effective approach to managing neck sprain/strain by addressing the underlying musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting spinal health.
Symptoms:
- Neck pain or discomfort, ranging from mild to severe
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the neck
- Muscle spasms or tightness in the neck and shoulders
- Headaches, often originating from tension in the neck muscles
- Pain that may radiate into the shoulders, arms, or upper back
Cervical Disc Disorders
Cervical disc pain refers to discomfort or irritation caused by damage or degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the neck region. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing support, flexibility, and shock absorption to the cervical spine. When a cervical disc becomes herniated, bulging, or deteriorated, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck, arms, and shoulders. Chiropractic care offers a conservative and effective approach to managing cervical disc pain by addressing spinal misalignments, reducing nerve irritation, and promoting overall spinal health.
Symptoms:
- Neck pain or discomfort, ranging from mild to severe
- Radiating pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Muscle weakness or tingling sensations in the upper extremities
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck
- Headaches, often originating from tension in the neck muscles
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition characterized by compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck), leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arms and hands. This condition often occurs due to herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal degeneration, which can put pressure on the nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord. Chiropractic care offers a conservative and effective approach to managing cervical radiculopathy by addressing spinal misalignments, reducing nerve irritation, and promoting overall spinal health.
Symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulder, or arm
- Radiating pain or numbness into the arms and hands
- Tingling or electric shock-like sensations along the affected nerve pathway
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination in the arms or hands
- Difficulty with fine motor skills or grip strength
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders refer to a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw, face, and neck. TMJ disorders can result from various factors, including jaw misalignment, muscle tension, trauma, arthritis, or excessive teeth grinding (bruxism). Chiropractic care offers a conservative and effective approach to managing TMJ disorders by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, reducing muscle tension, and promoting jaw joint health.
Symptoms:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
- Jaw locking or limited range of motion
- Headaches, earaches, or neck pain
- Facial muscle stiffness or fatigue
