The Causes of Neck Pain: How a Chiropractor Can Help

Chiropractors treat about 25 million Americans every year (10% of the population). In fact, about 11 to 40% of American adults live with chronic pain in the US. As a result, about one million chiropractic adjustments are performed every year.

If you're struggling with chronic neck pain, don't hesitate to visit a chiropractor. They can determine which causes of neck pain are relevant to your situation. Then, they can develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

What neck pain treatment options are available? Read on to find out!

Common Causes

Scheduling a consultation appointment with your St. Petersburg chiropractor will allow them to assess your current health. They can pinpoint what's causing your neck pain to determine the best treatment options. Here are a few common causes of neck pain they might mention during your appointment.

Muscle Tension or Strain

Muscle tension can develop due to bad posture over time. For example, perhaps you tilt your head down to stare at your phone throughout the day. Perhaps your computer screen at work is at an odd angle.

Maintaining this position could cause muscle tension and chronic neck pain.

A few lifestyle changes could help. For example, consider using ergonomic furniture at work to minimize tension on your neck. If you sit at a desk for long hours, take breaks or adjust your position.

Using a standing desk and adjusting your monitors can help as well.

Exercising could cause muscle tension or strains, too. Try to avoid jerking your neck when you exercise.

Even your sleep position can have an impact. You might want to consider changing your pillow to avoid sleeping in bad neck positions.

Seeing a chiropractor can help you determine what lifestyle choices are causing your neck pain.

Heart Attack

In some cases, sudden neck pain is also a symptom of a heart attack. Other symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Arm or jaw pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Call 911 or visit an emergency room as soon as possible if you begin experiencing these symptoms. 

Injury

Neck pain affects about 30 to 50% of adults every year. About 50 to 85% never experience complete resolution of their symptoms. One of the common causes of neck pain is an accidental injury.

For example, perhaps you were recently in a car crash. If your vehicle was hit from behind, you could sustain a whiplash injury. These injuries occur when your neck jerks forward, then back in a sudden motion.

A sporting accident could leave you with a neck injury as well.

During these situations, your ligaments and muscles could move beyond their normal range. If you were recently in an accident, consider seeing a chiropractor.

They can assess your neck and spine for injuries.

Disease

A chronic condition could cause neck pain as well. For example, neck pain is a symptom of:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylosis
• Meningitis

These conditions can cause chronic inflammation, which could contribute to your symptoms. Consider visiting a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your neck pain before symptoms worsen. 

When to Schedule an Appointment

Don't shrug off your neck pain. If you begin experiencing symptoms, consider seeing a chiropractor right away. They can complete an assessment to help you better understand your condition.

For example, you should see a chiropractor if you experience chronic neck pain that lasts for a few days. Otherwise, chronic pain can impact your physical, social, and psychological well-being.

You might also experience headaches along with neck pain. Headaches indicate muscle tension and joint irritation. Your chiropractor can determine if a pinched nerve is contributing to your symptoms.

You could notice a change in your range of motion, too. For example, you might struggle to check your blind spot while driving.

If these symptoms sound familiar, visit a chiropractor right away. 

How a Chiropractor Can Help

How exactly can a chiropractor help treat the different types of neck pain? First, your chiropractor will determine the root cause of your symptoms. Then, they can help you review the neck pain treatment options available to ensure a customized treatment plan.

Here are a few treatment options they might recommend.

Manual Manipulation

Many chiropractors will recommend manual manipulation as part of your treatment plan.

Manual manipulation involves using the hands or a tool to add careful force to the neck and spine. This process will ensure your spine is in proper alignment. Keeping your spine in alignment can keep pressure off your neck. 

Ensuring this alignment will also allow blood to travel throughout your body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to injured areas, allowing these areas to heal naturally.

Without proper blood flow, inflammation can occur, which could make your symptoms worse. 

Ultrasound

Your chiropractor might also recommend ultrasound therapy as part of your treatment plan. This treatment option can improve blood circulation throughout your body. Improved circulation could promote natural healing.

Massage Therapy

Ask your St. Petersburg chiropractor if they also provide massage therapy treatments. Massage therapy can help loosen tense muscles in the neck and back. 

Routine sessions can help promote blood flow. It can also help you relax, which can further ease the tension you're experiencing.

Lifestyle Changes

Your chiropractor can also help you determine what lifestyle factors are causing the different types of neck pain you're experiencing. Otherwise, you'll continue developing muscle strains and spasms, even with treatment.

For example, your chiropractor might notice you have poor posture. They could recommend a standing desk or other ergonomic changes.

You can also talk to your chiropractor about your exercise routine and sleeping position.

Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet could help minimize pain and inflammation as well.

The Causes of Neck Pain: Visit Your St. Petersburg Chiropractor Today

You don't have to let chronic neck pain slow you down. Seeing a chiropractor can help ease your pain, improving your quality of life. If these common causes of neck pain sound familiar, schedule an appointment right away. 

Ease the pain away today.

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Get in touch with our team to get started.