Neck Pain

What causes neck pain?

Millions of Americans suffer from neck pain. In fact, it’s one of the most common issues that drives patients to seek chiropractic or medical assistance. Neck pain is most commonly caused by poor posture. Many people spend hours sitting at a desk, hunched over a computer, or are constantly looking down at their smartphones or tablets. This causes a condition called “forward head syndrome” or as it’s more commonly referred to, “text neck”. Another common cause of neck pain is injuries, either from an automobile accident or a slip-and-fall accident at work or at home. Whiplash is a very common injury following a car accident. Medical conditions like osteoarthritis can also lead to pain in the neck. While neck pain isn’t often associated with a serious condition, if a patient experiences neck pain combined with numbness or a loss of strength in the arms or hands, or acute shooting pain in the shoulders, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Doctors and chiropractors use a variety of assessments to identify the cause of a patient’s neck pain. In most cases, the medical practitioner will perform a thorough physical examination to test flexibility and range of motion. He or she will ask questions about the patient’s lifestyle habits, general health and wellbeing, and if any injuries or accidents have been recently sustained. If the doctor requires additional information he or she may order additional diagnostic assessments such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and electrodiagnostic studies like nerve conduction velocity and electromyography.

How does the medical team at Active Medical Center treat neck pain?

The team at Active Medical Center is dedicated to providing pharmaceutical-free treatments to help patients lead pain-free lives and to avoid surgery. They may offer chiropractic care and adjustments to realign the spine to provide pain relief. Patients may be offered a variety of other treatments such as rehabilitative services, trigger point injections, and spinal decompression. In addition to providing treatment for immediate pain relief, the medical team at Active Medical Center will treat the underlying condition responsible for the pain. The team aims to reduce the pain, restore movement and quality of life, and help the patient avoid further injury or discomfort. The doctor may suggest that the patient practice self-care at home with hot and cold therapies, gentle stretches, and electric stimulation with a TENS machine.