Auto accidents, repetitive strain injuries, and staring at a smartphone or computer for a long period of time can put strain on the neck causing misalignment. Once the neck pain starts, it can be difficult to resolve without treatment of some kind. At Guzzardo Chiropractic Center in Clinton Township, our team can help you get the relief you are seeking with gentle, yet effective, chiropractic techniques. Here’s a look at why neck pain happens and how chiropractic care can help.

What Is Neck Pain?

The neck, also known as the cervical spine, has multiple ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work with each other to help you move. When these soft tissues get irritated or inflamed, you can feel sensations like sharp pain, stiffness, tenderness, soreness, and pain that radiates around your neck and upper body. You may also have limited motion of your neck.

Another cause of neck pain is pinched or trapped nerves. The nerves get involved when the soft tissues are inflamed, or when the vertebrae is putting pressure on the nerve root. A trapped nerve can make it difficult to move your head in certain directions because it delivers a shock when pressed upon.

Various Causes of Neck Pain

With more people working from home, neck pain is on the rise. Most people don’t pay attention to their posture in the comfort of their own space. The act of looking down at a smartphone also puts pressure on the soft tissues and neck vertebrae. Whiplash from a car accident is another cause of neck pain. Repetitive motions that result in overuse of the neck muscles can create a stiff neck. It’s important to understand that not every neck-related issue will stem from a fall or car crash. There are neck disorders associated with simply getting older or poor habits like:

  • Cervical Osteoarthritis: This common disorder causes pain and discomfort as the cartilage in a joint begins to break down, making movement in the bones becomes less smooth as we age.
  • Spinal Stenosis: As the passages in the vertebrae begin to narrow nerves are compressed which results in pain. This condition often causes numbness and reduces flexibility in the shoulders and arms.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: As disc elasticity declines, bulging or herniated conditions may occur. This typically results in shooting pain, numbness, and tingling that flares down the arm.
  • Poor Habits: It may surprise you to know that posture, obesity, and lack of core fitness can contribute to neck stiffness. Correcting the way you sit, walk, and manage your body can reduce the need for neck pain treatment.

How a Chiropractor Helps You Find Relief from the Pain

Chiropractic care for neck pain relief involves using gentle adjustments and stretches that seek to release trapped nerves, loosen stiff muscles, and release the restrictions caused by tight tendons and ligaments in the neck. During treatment, our chiropractor seeks out the main area of involvement, but also looks for other areas that have been affected by the neck pain. Releasing all of the impacted tissue through chiropractic technique is effective and reduces the need of painkillers for relief.

Call Us Today for Help with Neck Pain Relief

Contact us at Guzzardo Chiropractic Center in Clinton Township for an evaluation of your neck pain with our team. Chiropractic care can help you find the source of your pain and prevent it from worsening. Don’t let your pain hold you back. Call our office today at (586) 286-6616 to inquire about our scheduling availability or to learn more about the many services we provide.