Is your neck pain severe?

Neck pain can be serious; chiropractic doctors are experts in distinguishing the different types of neck problems.

When is neck pain more than just neck pain? When do we receive the signal that something more serious may be involved? Typically, neck pain is caused by a muscle strain, and one side of the neck may experience more pain than the other.

But when neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it can be a cause for concern.

For example, neck pain with vomiting and neck stiffness may indicate meningitis. If you cannot touch your chin to your chest and experience drowsiness, confusion, and/or sensitivity to bright lights – call a medical professional immediately.

Neck pain with weakness in the arms and tingling in the fingers may indicate a herniated disc, which is pressure on a nerve root due to narrowing of the spinal canal. Chiropractic care may be helpful.

Neck pain and difficulty moving your head without pain? This may be a sign of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain in the muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It could also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that affects your joints, especially those in the feet, knees, and hands.

Neck pain after a traffic accident is commonly known as “whiplash”, because when the neck is struck from behind, it tends to snap sharply forward and then backward, causing what is known as cervical acceleration/deceleration (CAD) trauma or syndrome.

Most people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Chiropractors receive training that helps them locate and often relieve the causes of neck pain, restore normal neck mobility, and other affected parts of the body.

Additionally, chiropractors are experts in determining whether you have a relatively minor problem, or if you require referral to another type of professional. Please inform us of any neck pain you have, whether the pain is severe or not.

After thoroughly examining you, we will attempt to restore normal sensation and function to the neck and other affected parts of the body, or refer you to a professional who can help. Ongoing care will help ensure that the muscles and joints of your neck and back remain in optimal working condition so you can maintain a vibrant life and reach your maximum potential, without any restrictions.