Neck Pain Specialist

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain is common, often caused by poor posture, muscle strain, worn out joints, misaligned bones of the upper spine, or injuries such as whiplash. Pain or discomfort in the neck may also be the result of chronic disease, such as arthritis, or something more serious. Improper use of muscles can lead to neck pain or make it worse. Degenerative disc disease and herniated discs, which affect the rubbery discs that cushion the bones of the spine, can also cause neck pain.

Muscle strain, soft tissue sprain and muscle spasms are often at the root of neck pain. Compression of nerves in the upper backbone, known as the cervical spine, is also a common source of pain.

What are the Symptoms of Neck Pain?

Symptoms of neck pain include pain that gets worse when the patient holds her head in one place for a long time, as when driving a car or working on a computer. The individual may have trouble moving her head up and down or side to side easily. Muscle spasms, muscle tightness and headaches may also occur.

Does a Chiropractor Treat Neck Pain?

A chiropractor uses a comprehensive exam of the neck and advanced state-of-the-art diagnostics, including spinal and postural screenings, to help determine the cause of neck pain and create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. The treatment plan may include neck adjustments, also known as cervical manipulation, to restore misplaced vertebrae to their proper position. Cervical manipulation relieves neck pain, loosens stiffness and restores motion.

Chiropractors may offer other services to relieve neck pain, including massage therapy to relax and soothe stiff, sore muscles in the neck and corrective exercises that help patients avoid activities that may cause or worsen neck pain.