Neck Pain | Pain Management & Relief

Are there literally pains in your neck?

Your neck and shoulders have a big job. The slightest change in the positioning of the seven bones of the cervical spine (neck) can create pain and reduce the mobility of the head and neck.

If the pain moves up, it can cause headaches, if it moves down it can cause pain and numbness in the shoulders, back and arms.

If you’re experiencing neck discomfort at home, here are some ways to manage the pain:

Place ice on the painful area for 40 minutes, then remove the ice for 20 minutes before repeating.
Check the pillow you sleep on. If it’s too flat it may be stretching your neck in an unnatural way.
You can also use exercises to loosen tight muscles in the neck.

Text neck: a modern spine ailment

The advent of mobile phones is causing text neck, the early onset of cervical spine degeneration. It happens when people young and old spend hours hunched over staring at electronic devices, putting a huge strain on the neck, shoulders, and spine.

The journal Surgical Technology International published a recent study that showed when a person stands or sits with their head looking forward, the head weighs 10 to 12 pounds on average. Tilt the head downward 15 degrees and it weighs about 27 pounds. Tilted at 30 degrees, the head can weigh nearly 40 pounds. If you’re hunched over at 60 degrees playing a video game, the head can put as much as a 60-pound strain on the neck.

Neck pain and Atlas Orthogonal treatments

Any type of chronic neck pain are difficult conditions to live with each and every day. Get help from Atlas Orthogonal, a gentle, image-guided percussion adjustment therapy that will help realign the Atlas vertebra at the Craniocervical Junction and restore normal function and blood flow to the spine. This non-invasive treatment is good for musculoskeletal, neurological, brain-based, and many chronic pain syndromes.

The Atlas vertebra is the most important link in the human spine, supporting the weight of the human skull, facilitating movement of the neck, and protecting the spinal cord. Returning the Atlas vertebra to its neutral position can help alleviate the nagging pain and discomfort associated with chronic neck and pain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain

When should I see a chiropractor about my neck pain?

Pain or stiffness in the neck doesn’t improve after several days;
There is severe pain when you look to the left or the right;
Over-the-counter pain medication is needed just to get through the day or is regularly used to treat pain;
Constant pain in the neck is possibly a sign of a more serious condition;
Pain that started in the neck has turned to numbness or tingling in the hands and wrists;
Pain has started in the neck after an auto accident, fall, or some other type of trauma;
You wake up with severe pain in the neck but it begins to feel better as the day progresses.

How can I avoid neck pain?

Raise the mobile device: Instead of looking down at mobile devices, lift them to eye level;
Give it a rest: Put the phone down for a while so the neck gets a break from the head-forward position. Or try lying on your back when texting to relieve pressure on the neck;
Stand up straight: Pushing the shoulders back when standing will help keep the body aligned and in a neutral position;
Stretch and arch: Ease muscle pain by periodically arching the neck and upper back. You’ll feel the difference;
Staying fit helps: Keeping the body in shape will keep the back strong and flexible and better able to handle excess stress.

What can I expect from my first chiropractic visit?

atients will be examined so we can try to locate the source of pain. You’ll also be questioned about current symptoms and any remedies that have been attempted. These questions may help you be better prepared:

When did the pain start?
What medications or treatments have you received for the pain?
Has the pain traveled to other parts of the body?
Does anything reduce the pain, or does anything make it worse?

Physical and neurological exams will be performed as well. During the physical exam, we’ll observe posture, test range of motion, examine physical conditioning, and note any movements that cause pain. We’ll examine the spine, noting curvature and alignment, and feel for muscle spasms, We’ll also check the shoulders. During the neurological exam, reflexes and muscle strength will be tested. We’ll also ask about other nerve changes and how pain has spread. If necessary, X-rays will be taken, or we’ll recommend CAT, MRI or EMG scans.

Have more questions?

Hear what our patients have to say about us.

Patient Stories

"It's small increments that make a huge difference so much so that I'm not thinking about it anymore."

Lou Ann Patient

“The treatment is non-invasive and really quite pleasant. It gives you a feeling of more control over the issues.”

Richard Patient

“The procedure was so quick and simple. The results were immediate, the pressure was gone.”

Cortina Patient

“The office ran like clockwork, I arrived slightly ahead of schedule and I was seen on time.”

Dave Patient

“Excellent medical professionals in chiropractor services and care. Contemporary modalities in treating any kind of pain especially neck and back as was the case with me.”

Karl Patient

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Upper Cervical Corrections