Pain symptoms act as significant impediments to one’s quality of life and their ability to get through normal, day-to-day tasks. Some struggle with chronic pain and must rely on around-the-clock treatment to get through the day. But even for those whose pain is not chronic, experiencing sudden neck pain or even mild discomfort can be significantly detrimental.
What Causes Neck Pain?
The neck is one of the most important regions of the human body, operating as a support structure and a swivel for the head. The neck also houses vital structures that connect the head to the body, serving as a conduit for nerves and blood vessels. It also contains essential organs, such as the thyroid gland.
Unfortunately, many people struggle with neck pain, with such pain stemming from a variety of issues or a combination of multiple issues occurring at once. Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:
- Muscle strain and tension in and around the neck. This is the most common cause of neck pain. Overuse, poor posture, improper sleeping positions, prolonged use of phones and computers, and other strain-related tasks can cause neck pain. Repetitive movements can also lead to muscle strain. Stress and emotional tension can also manifest in neck pain.
- Age-related issues and associated deterioration. Another common issue with neck pain is age-related neck pain. The elderly often contract arthritis in the neck (the technical name for this is cervical spondylosis. The condition can lead to aches, pains, and reduced mobility in the neck. Degenerative disc disease, which is often associated with aging, can lead to pain, stiffness, and nerve compression in the neck. Age-related bone spurs can also develop in the neck.
- Injuries to the neck. Partially because of its ease of movement, the neck is also easily injured. Common injuries, such as whiplash (often caused by car accidents), falls, sprains, and strains can cause varying degrees of injury in the neck, almost all of which will be accompanied by some associated pain.
- Nerve compression as a result of subluxation. The spine is a delicate, finely tuned instrument, and when it experiences subluxations (misalignments), it can lead to interrupted nerve pathways, pain, numbness, aches, and sharp, shooting nerve pain. A misalignment somewhere in the spine can trigger a cascade of events along neural pathways, leading to neck pain.
- Nerve compression in the neck. Nerve compressions in the neck, often caused by herniated or bulging disks, can also lead to neck pain. These ailments are also associated with pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the arms and hands.
- Spinal stenosis. Though not as common, some patients develop very specific musculoskeletal conditions that result in neck pain. Spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, is one such condition. This narrowing interrupts neural pathways traveling through the spinal canal, which in turn may cause neck pain.
- Other medical conditions. Some patients experience other medical conditions that cause neck pain. Infections like meningitis can have the side effect of neck stiffness and pain. Tumors or growths in the neck can lead to pain. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can lead to the compression of spinal vertebrae, which can also cause neck pain.
Simple Ways to Relieve Neck Pain
How do I relieve neck pain? It’s a common question, and the Mayo Clinic conducted a research program to determine the best home remedies for neck pain. Some treatments and neck pain prevention techniques include:[1]
- Use good posture. Quoting the Mayo Clinic research, “When standing and sitting, be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders. When using cell phones, tablets and other small screens, keep your head up and hold the device straight out rather than bending your neck to look down at the device.”
- Take breaks throughout the day. If one’s job requires them to sit at a desk or otherwise hold a fixed position for long periods, it’s a good idea to get up, move around, and stretch the neck and shoulders.
- Adjust the desk, chair, and computer. Any screens one is looking at should be at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than the hips.
- Smoking can lead to neck pain. Smoking can increase one’s risk of neck pain, so if one smokes and struggles with neck pain, quitting smoking may be a straightforward remedy.
- Position bags and packs properly. If one must often carry heavy bags, briefcases, purses, or packs, position them so they reduce strain on the neck.
- Sleep in a position that promotes a healthy, pain-free neck. Again, quoting the Mayo Clinic research, “Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck to support it. Try sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which will flatten your spinal muscles.”
- Stay active. Most people think that neck pain results from injuries associated with overuse or overexertion, but the opposite is true. While it is a known fact that some neck injuries result from physical activity, research suggests that more neck pain symptoms may be the result of inactivity, rather than excessive activity.
- Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
When do I see a chiropractor for neck pain? The simple answer is: as soon as home remedies no longer work for neck pain, it’s time to see a chiropractor.
Sometimes, patients should skip home remedies and consult their chiropractor, especially if their neck pain is severe, persists for several days without relief, spreads to the limbs, or is accompanied by headaches, numbness, weakness, or tingling. These are all indicators of a more serious condition that will likely go beyond the scope of home remedies.
What can a chiropractor do for neck pain? Chiropractors address neck pain through a variety of non-invasive treatments, including spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise. Some chiropractors also incorporate techniques such as massage, posture correction, and lifestyle advice for patients to help reduce symptoms of neck pain.
Neck Pain Relief in Nashville
For those seeking comfortable, holistic neck pain relief in Nashville or Franklin, Cool Springs Chiropractic is the premier chiropractic care provider for neck pain in Middle Tennessee.
Establishing a doctor-patient relationship built on trust and delivering effective chiropractic care in Tennessee is the cornerstone of Cool Springs Chiropractic. Only by utilizing a care-focused approach can the team and their patients develop a proper care plan and identify the chiropractic treatments necessary to reduce and ideally eliminate neck pain.
Our top chiropractors in Franklin consistently deliver exemplary service and are recognized for their expertise, particularly in caring for patients with neck pain. Quoting Franklin’s award-winning chiropractor, Dr. Peter Hinz:
- “At Cool Springs Chiropractic, our expert team provides tailored chiropractic care to address our patients’ unique health needs, including the treatment of neck pain. No matter what the severity of the condition is, whether home remedies have been tried yet, or whether the patient has already been seen by a different chiropractor, we’re here to effectively diagnose the problem and to do everything we can to help neck pain patients experience relief. The result? Our patients leave our office feeling pain-free, healthier, happier, and more mobile.”
Schedule an appointment by calling (615) 503-9900 or using our online system to access our limited-time $49 New Patient Special. Our office is located at 3252 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 13, in Franklin, Tennessee. For information or to ask a question, email us at info@coolspringschiropractic.com.
Sources:
[1] TMC. “Neck Pain.” The Mayo Clinic, 2022. mayoclinic.org
