Millions of individuals suffer from some type of neck pain at one time or another. Whether the result of an acute injury or a chronic condition, there is no doubt that this situation can be extremely frustrating. Neck pain decreases mobility, impacts sleeping habits, causes headaches, and may even radiate to the arms and shoulders. This is why knowing how to treat this type of pain is critical. However, it is also important to appreciate the different types of neck pain as well as some of the most common symptoms. We can then examine your treatment options in greater detail.
The Different Categories of Neck Pain and Common Symptoms
This pain can be broken down into four conditions:
- Axial pain
- Whiplash-associated disorder
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Cervical myelopathy
Axial pain is associated with the muscles in the rear of the neck and discomfort normally occurs when looking from side to side. Whiplash-associated disorder is the result of acute trauma (such as a car accident). This condition is caused by damage to soft tissues as well as the supporting ligaments. If not treated properly, it can become a chronic issue. Cervical radiculopathy is caused by pressure upon one of more cervical nerves; resulting in pain that may radiate to the arms, chest and jaw. Cervical myelopathy is a compression of the spinal cord; primarily as a result of age. Stiffness or weakness in the extremities is a common symptom.
Now that we have taken a look at the four types of neck pain, let’s quickly list a handful of symptoms that could require professional intervention. Common issues include:
- Headaches
- Soreness in the shoulders
- Jaw pain
- The sensation of “pins in needles” in your extremities
- Numbness in one or both hands
- Sleep apnoea (sometimes associated with chronic neck pain)
So, how can a chiropractor help?
Choosing a Professional Neck Pain Chiropractor
There are several treatments which a professional chiropractor may recommend. Of course, these will be based off an initial assessment and after determining the root cause of the pain. Some effective techniques can include (but are by no means limited to):<
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Cryotherapy
- Postural advice
- Supportive exercises to strengthen the affected muscles
- Targeted stretches to loosen the affected area
Some home-based options to discuss with your doctor may also include the intermittent use of ice packs, avoiding sleeping on your stomach and viewing a computer screen at eye level in order to place the neck in a more natural position.
Remember to seek a professional to provide relief from neck pain. This is why you should contact Neuroworks in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin down the road to recovery.