Neck Pain

What is neck pain?

Neck pain is discomfort, aching, or stiffness that affects the cervical spine (the seven vertebrae above your shoulders). While neck pain is typically nothing to worry about, you should still see a chiropractor. Determining the cause provides peace of mind and prevents your symptoms from getting worse.

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

Neck pain symptoms include:

• Difficulty moving your head
• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Pain that gets worse in certain positions (for example, sitting at a computer)
• Stiffness

Sometimes, neck pain extends to other areas. For example, many people with neck pain also experience headaches and shoulder pain.

When should I see a chiropractor about neck pain?

Make an appointment at Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab if you have neck pain that continues for more than a day or two and doesn’t improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine. That’s particularly true if your symptoms occur after an injury, like a car accident, or the pain extends into other parts of your body, like your shoulders, arms, or legs.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

Your Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab provider reviews your medical records and asks about your neck pain, including when it started, what it feels like, and if some activities like driving or sitting down make it worse.

Next, your provider completes a chiropractic exam. They check your neck for redness, bruising, and swelling and gently press on your neck and shoulders to identify sensitive spots. They then assess your neck’s range of motion and ability to look up, down, and to either side.

Minor neck injuries are often diagnosed during the chiropractic exam, but if your provider suspects an underlying problem, like a broken vertebra or spinal misalignment, they will order X-rays to examine your spine and the surrounding tissues.

How is neck pain treated?

The Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab team takes a conservative, minimally invasive approach to treating neck pain. They could suggest:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Sports chiropractic
• Dry needling
• Sports massage
• Cupping
• Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Biomechanical taping
• Corrective exercise programming (to prevent further injuries)
• Active release therapy
• Virtual rehabilitation

Most neck pain improves with several treatments at once. Your provider monitors your symptoms and progress at routine checkups, adjusting your care as needed. To ensure the best results, follow your provider’s instructions, get plenty of rest, and don’t rush back into activity.

Call Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab today to schedule neck pain treatment, or book your appointment online.