What Is Cervical Neck Pain?
Cervical neck pain is another way of addressing the neck pain you may suffer from. Your neck is composed of vertebrae that connect the skull to the upper torso- between these vertebrae, cervical discs absorb the shock. This combination of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments serve to support your head, allowing for motion like turning and nodding. Any injuries, inflammation, or damage to this system can cause neck pain and stiffness.
There are a number of reasons you might have felt cervical neck pain. A slip and fall injury may lead to pain, but most commonly it is a result of poor posture and overuse. These cases can typically be treated, but neck pain may indicate more serious conditions as well.
Causes of Neck Pain
There are a variety of reasons you may experience neck pain, and it is important to know what may differ between these causes. Some neck pain may be normal and easy to treat on your own, but in some cases, medical attention will be important.
Muscle tension and strain
This type of neck pain is usually a result of lifestyle and day to day actions. For those who work at a desk and sit for long periods without movement, this is so common it has been coined “tech neck” by chiropractors. Poor posture and sleeping positions can make this more likely to occur. In some cases, muscle tension will be a result of an unnatural movement like jerking of the neck during exercise. This is the most common type of neck pain treated by chiropractors in Atlanta.
Injury
Because of the complex makeup of the neck, it is particularly subject to injuries. Car accidents, falls, and playing sports all leave ample opportunity for the neck to suffer damage when the muscles and ligaments move outside of their normal range. In addition to the damage to the soft tissue, broken bones in the neck may indicate damage to the spinal cord as well.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention and can be fatal in some cases. This occurs when the thin tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed. Common symptoms will include fevers and headaches, but many cases of meningitis also lead to a stiff neck. When these symptoms present together, seek care quickly.
Heart attack
In addition to more common symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, and arm or jaw pain, neck pain can be a sign of a heart attack. If your neck is in pain in addition to the listed symptoms, or you are experiencing nausea and vomiting, you should seek emergency medical care to rule out a heart attack.
There are many other causes of neck pain that can be identified with a visit to a chiropractor in Atlanta. Be sure to note any symptoms that occur in conjunction with your neck pain to best treat the problem.
Treatments for Neck Pain
The best way to treat neck pain will depend on what is found to be the cause. In order to determine this, your chiropractor will likely perform a physical exam to evaluate your strength, range of motion, and pain level. You will also need to report all symptoms during this time. If more information is needed, you may be sent for imaging procedures to identify the root cause.
You will likely be given tools to manage your pain while at home through the use of ice and heat therapy, exercises, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medicine. These methods can reduce pain, address inflammation, and allow you to regain some flexibility easily.
If your injury is more severe, it may be recommended that you undergo chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy in-office. These gentle tools can help your neck heal as your body begins to function properly.
At AICA Orthopedics, we offer an array of services that can be tailored to meet your needs. Once we have evaluated the cause of your neck pain, our specialists collaborate to create a treatment plan specific to each patient. You will benefit from the care of chiropractors, physical therapists, and orthopedic specialists when you are at AICA Orthopedics. You do not have to continue suffering from neck pain- call us today to get started!
