What Causes Neck Pain?
By Sara Butler
Many people end up in the chiropractor’s office for the first time because they are experiencing pain. Some people experience low back pain, others mid-back pain, and yet some experience neck pain that has gotten so terrible they have been motivated to seek professional help. What causes neck pain and what can your chiropractor do to help? Read on to find out!
Your History
A big clue to the cause of your neck pain lies in your own history. What you do for a living, your posture, when the pain started and what kind of pain it is all provide clues for your chiropractor to figure out what the cause of your neck pain is. They may also ask you questions such as:
- What makes the pain worse?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Did the pain start after a new activity or an accident?
Causes of Neck Pain
There are several things that can cause neck pain. The most common reasons for neck pain are:
- Degenerative conditions – People in middle age tend to have persistent or recurrent neck pain due to a degenerative condition. They usually experience tingling in the fingers or arms caused by arthritis or cervical spine spondylosis. Other degenerative causes of neck pain include rheumatoid arthritis, pinched nerves, or cervical myelopathy.
- Muscular conditions – If you have pain between your shoulder blades it may be caused by muscle spasms or strain. This is often associated with poor posture and can be treated with lifestyle modifications and treatment from your chiropractor!
- Injury – Whiplash is one of the most common causes of neck pain. It is often sustained when in an automobile accident and can cause a headache, neck stiffness, and pain. You should see your chiropractor as soon as possible when you’re involved in any car accident, no matter how minor.
What Your Chiropractor Can Do
When you see your chiropractor about your neck pain, they won’t just treat your symptoms; they seek out the root cause of pain so it can be treated. They will take a look at your history, your daily activities and lifestyle to find the cause of your pain. They will create a treatment plan to address the issues they discover that will likely involve hands-on adjustments to your spine as well as stretches and exercises you can do to relieve pain. They may also recommend massage or ice/heat therapy to help you find relief.
If you suffer from pain in your neck, don’t delay visiting your chiropractor at The Joint as soon as possible!