Symptoms
The neck is under constant pressure, as it is responsible for keeping the head upright and aiding in its motions. This responsibility and constant wear and tear is what makes the neck so susceptible to injury through chronic pain. However, the structures of the neck can also be easily damaged through trauma, either through over-work, stress, falls, or other accidents.
Many neck muscles experience injury, however, are not seen until an MRI or CT scan is performed. In addition to pain in the neck, other symptoms that are a sign of neck injury include:
- Headaches
- Pain in the shoulder or upper arms
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Numbness or weakness around the neck
- Muscle spasms
As some injuries may involve the spinal cord, a person can also experience pain in the extremities, like the arms and hands, if their neck has been injured.
Types of Injuries
The most common neck injury is whiplash. However, whiplash may fall into two categories, a neck sprain or a neck strain. A sprain will involve the stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the neck. A strain will involve the stretching or tearing of the muscles in the neck.
Some other neck injuries might include:
- Neck fracture
- Herniated disc
- Cervical dislocation
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
Likewise, many chronic conditions can result in neck pain. Pain in the cervical spine can result from neck disorders such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Congenital torticollis (twisted neck)
- Spondylosis (cervical disc degeneration)
In rare cases, neck pain can also be the result of tumors or infection, such as meningitis. The urgency of these conditions is why the doctors at ChiroCare of Florida urge each patient to visit one of our offices as soon as neck pain arises.
Neck Pain Treatment
The injury you suffered will determine the type of neck pain treatment you will need to recover from the trauma. You may need the use of a brace and then rehabilitation to get your range of motion back. Those who suffer a herniated disc, neck fracture, whiplash or another type of neck injury in an accident might need months of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment.
Those suffering from chronic conditions can benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments, an adjusted lifestyle, as well as nutritional and fitness advice, all available from the trusted physicians at ChiroCare of Florida. Poor posture can make your neck pain worse.
An experienced ChiroCare of Florida physician can examine your injuries and determine a neck pain treatment plan that works best for you. When you reach out to the professionals at ChiroCare of Florida, you can trust that you’re putting your well-being in the right hands.
Stop living with pain and ask about the treatments for neck pain at ChiroCare of Florida today. With 11 facilities in South Florida, there is a ChiroCare of Florida office near you.
