The neck is the most flexible part of the spine and is responsible for holding and supporting the weight of the head, making it very vulnerable to injury. Neck pain has become a common complaint among people young and old. According to the US National Library of Medicine, up to 70% of adults will experience neck pain that interferes with daily activities. Neck pain can be caused by many different mechanisms such as: sleeping with too many pillows, poor posture, athletic and occupational stress, muscle strain and spasm and arthritic joints, also known as osteoarthritis. Since the neck is a delicate and complicated structure, contact a professional before trying home remedies if you have sustained an injury or have chronic unresolved neck pain. At Auburn Chiropractic Associations, we diagnose and treat neck injuries and assist you as you recover.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
-
Muscular injury
-
Abnormal alignment of joints
-
Poor seated or sleeping posture
-
Physical and emotional stress
-
Degenerative joints
-
Other diseases
Neck pain may begin with an injury, like whiplash, which occurs when the head is jerked backwards and then forward, twisting (straining) the soft tissue of the neck. This is often a result of automobile accidents or sports and can cause damage that leads to chronic neck pain. Age can also be a factor for increased neck pain, as our joints and muscles naturally become stiff as we grow older. Posture can contribute to neck pain by either hunching over a desk or sitting up straight for too long without proper support. If you suspect your neck pain is a result of your posture, make sure you always keep your legs at a 90 degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. Engage in a core strengthening regimen to correct posture and always sit with adequate lumbar support.
Poor sleeping position can also lead to a “crick” in your neck and this is often a common occurrence. Make sure your bed and pillows are firm enough to support your neck and back while you sleep to avoid unnecessary pain. If your neck pain continues as a result of your sleeping patterns remember to keep your head and neck aligned with your body and try to use a small pillow under your neck. Sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows can help alleviate strain on your back. A contoured neck pillow is optimal for back (supine) sleeping.
Neck pain can also be a sign of a more serious diseases like osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder causing progressive deterioration of cartilage. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, numbness, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. You may even feel like you have pins and needles in your back, neck, or arms. If you have any of these symptoms or feel that your neck pain may be an indicator of a larger problem, contact Auburn Chiropractic Associates today. We will be happy to evaluate and treat your neck pain as we provide you with conservative natural chiropractic care.
Treatment
There are many ways to treat neck pain without surgery. Chiropractors consider the entire body, not just the painful problem, therefore often prescribing a holistic treatment plan including various components. Some of the possible nonsurgical treatments may include:
-
Ice or heat
-
Stretch and strengthen muscles
-
Massage
-
Physical modalities to stimulate optimal healing
-
Traction/decompression
-
Chiropractic manipulation
The first thing you should do if you experience neck pain is to apply ice or heat. If you injured your neck and there is swelling, then you should apply ice to the area for 15 minutes at a time with a double layer of paper towel under the ice pack. You may apply ice 15 minutes per hour. If you have pain that has not resulted from an injury then you may apply heat to promote relaxation of the muscles and stimulate circulation. Gentle massage may also temporarily help to reduce muscle tension and relax your body. Exercises and stretches will increase your strength, flexibility as well as restore optimal function. If your pain persists or worsens, consult a professional, such as a chiropractor, for a complete evaluation of your condition and for a treatment regimen that is safe and appropriate. Chiropractic care has been proven to decrease the pain and optimize function. According to a study done by American Chiropractic Association, 56% of patients who were treated by a doctor with medication saw 30% reduction in pain after 4 weeks, while 94% of patients who underwent chiropractic treatment saw a 30% reduction in pain after 4 weeks.
Many people manage their neck discomfort with home remedies, but it is not always the wise and safe option. If your pain continues or worsens contact a professional. At Auburn Chiropractic Associates we strive to reduce your pain and help you recover naturally. We offer an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of the spine and extremities. We are experienced in the conservative treatment of back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Additionally, we treat many hip, knee and ankle/foot conditions as well as wrist/hand, elbow and shoulder conditions. We are committed to providing our patients with safe and effective treatment as well as educating them on prevention to reduce recurring pain and dysfunction. Please contact us today at 334-826-2225 if you would like to make an appointment.