Symptoms of Neck Pain
Recognizing the symptoms of neck pain involves being mindful of sensations such as stiffness, discomfort, or tenderness in the neck area. Additionally, symptoms may include limited range of motion, headaches, muscle spasms, or radiating pain into the shoulders or arms.
Recognizing the symptoms of neck pain involves:
- Feeling stiffness, discomfort, or tenderness in the neck area.
- Experiencing limited range of motion.
- Noticing headaches, muscle spasms, or radiating pain into the shoulders or arms.
The Common Causes of Neck Pain
There are a few common causes of neck pain that people need to know. First, an accident can cause excessive strain on the neck and even result in whiplash. This shocks the muscles and forces them to contract and tighten. This leads to severe muscle fatigue, leading to pain and stiffness. If someone suffers from severe whiplash, this can also lead to ligament damage.
At the same time, neck pain can also be caused by chronic, degenerative medical conditions. This includes conditions such as arthritis. Arthritis is a common joint disorder that leads to the deterioration of the body's cartilage over time. This can take place in the neck, which affects the motion of the joints. Fortunately, for individuals who suffer from neck pain, there are ways that a chiropractor can help.
Other causes can include:
- Illness, including viral or bacterial infections such as meningitis or influenza, which can cause inflammation and discomfort in the neck area.
- Nerve compression in the cervical spine, known as cervical radiculopathy, can result from conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis.
- Joint degeneration can affect the cervical spine over time, leading to the breakdown of cartilage in the facet joints between the vertebrae.
- Injuries, such as whiplash from a car accident, a fall, or a sports injury, can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, discs, or vertebrae.
- Muscle strains or sudden movements of the neck muscles can cause strains or sprains, resulting in pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
Our Neck Pain Treatment Solutions
Adjustments & Manipulations
This treatment involves the chiropractor applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine or neck to realign them and improve their function. By restoring proper alignment, adjustments can reduce pressure on nerves, alleviate muscle tension, and improve mobility. This technique is often used to address misalignments (subluxations) in the cervical spine, which can contribute to neck pain and discomfort.
Active Release Technique (ART)
ART is a soft tissue therapy that aims to break up scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and surrounding tissues. The chiropractor uses their hands to apply precise tension and movement to targeted areas while the patient actively participates by moving the affected body part. ART can help release tension, improve flexibility, and reduce pain caused by overuse injuries, muscle strains, or repetitive motion disorders in the neck and surrounding areas.
Class 4 Laser Treatment
Class 4 laser therapy involves the use of a high-powered laser to deliver focused light energy to damaged or inflamed tissues in the neck. This non-invasive treatment helps stimulate cellular repair processes, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Class 4 laser therapy can be effective for various neck pain conditions, including muscle strains, ligament sprains, herniated discs, and arthritis. It's often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to promote healing and accelerate recovery from neck injuries or chronic pain conditions.
The Process of Receiving a Diagnosis for Neck Pain
Step 1: Initial Assessment
The diagnosis process for neck pain typically begins with an initial assessment by a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor or primary care physician. During this assessment, the provider will review the patient's medical history, including any previous injuries or conditions, and conduct a physical examination to assess range of motion, muscle strength, and neurological function in the neck and upper extremities.
Step 2: Diagnostic Testing
Depending on the findings of the initial assessment, diagnostic tests may be ordered to further evaluate the underlying cause of the neck pain. These tests may include X-rays to assess the alignment of the cervical spine, MRI or CT scans to visualize soft tissues and bony structures in more detail, or nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function and detect any abnormalities.
Step 3: Specialized Evaluation
In some cases, specialized evaluations may be necessary to identify specific causes of neck pain. This may involve consultation with specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or pain management physicians for further evaluation and treatment planning. These specialists may perform additional tests or procedures to diagnose conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression syndromes that can contribute to neck pain.
Step 4: Diagnostic Confirmation and Treatment Plan
Once a diagnosis is confirmed based on the results of the initial assessment and any diagnostic testing, the healthcare provider will work with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include a combination of conservative treatments such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate pain, improve function, and address the underlying cause of the neck pain. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
Chiropractic care can help people who suffer from neck pain. When someone goes to the chiropractor for help with neck pain in Calgary, he or she is going to want to know when the pain started, the treatments that have been tried in the past, and if the pain shows up anywhere else. Then, the chiropractor will perform a physical exam. Finally, he or she will also review available treatment options with the patient. For some patients, the treatment plan might include adjustments or manipulations that will help realign the neck and spine, alleviating pain. This treatment plan might also include Active Release Technique and class 4 laser treatment as well. Trust a trained chiropractor to provide a well-rounded plan for the treatment of chronic neck pain.
Transform Your Life with Bankers Hall Chiropractic
20+ years experience
With over two decades of experience, our chiropractors bring a wealth of expertise and skill to effectively diagnose and treat neck pain. Through years of practice and refinement, we provide patients with trusted care rooted in extensive knowledge and proven techniques.
Comprehensive treatment options
Our clinic offers a wide range of treatment options tailored to address various causes of neck pain. From chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy to therapeutic exercises and lifestyle recommendations, we provide holistic care that targets the underlying issues contributing to soreness, promoting long-term neck pain relief and improved function.
Flexible appointment scheduling
We understand the importance of timely access to care for individuals experiencing neck pain. That's why we offer flexible appointment scheduling, including same-day appointments based on availability, to accommodate our patients' busy lifestyles and ensure they receive the care they need when they need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are effective methods for healing neck pain?
Effective methods for healing neck pain include chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy, hot or cold therapy, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle modifications such as improving posture and ergonomics.
Which type of healthcare professional is best to consult for neck pain?
Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including neck pain. Their expertise in spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises makes them well-suited to address the underlying causes of neck pain muscles and provide effective neck pain treatment options.
What treatment options are most effective for alleviating neck pain?
The most effective treatment options for alleviating neck pain often include chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine and reduce muscle tension, massage therapy to release tension and improve circulation, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion. Additionally, hot or cold therapy, ergonomic modifications, and lifestyle recommendations can complement these treatments to promote healing and reduce neck pain.
Contact Us Today!
At Bankers Hall Chiropractic, we are here to make sure that everyone can find a reliable chiropractor in Calgary who can help with neck pain by providing chiropractic treatment. We would be happy to help you with all of your health concerns. If you are looking for a trained and compassionate healthcare provider, then please call us today at 403-243-0111 to make an appointment with our office!
