The neck, also called the cervical spine, has the incredibly important role of supplying blood to the brain and supporting the weight and mobility of the head, which on average weighs 12 pounds!
The neck is a fragile body part, prone to injury or pain. Many people experience neck pain at least once in their life. Whether it’s a minor kink or persistent pain, there’s quite annoying inconvenient as experience neck pain (hence the term, pain in the neck!). If it is chronic, neck pain can affect your ability to perform daily tasks and your quality of life.
Common symptoms of neck pain include but are not limited to:
- Muscle spasms
- Neck stiffness
- Pain or numbness in the upper-back or shoulders
- Sensitivity of neck to touch and pressure
- Headaches or migraines
What are common causes of neck pain?
Neck pain can develop suddenly from injury or gradually over time, from natural wear and tear. There are several possible conditions that can cause minor to severe neck pain, typically as a result of a sprain of the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the neck area. One of the most common reasons for neck pain is whiplash, or the sudden movement or jerking of the head after an automotive accident.
Other common causes include repeated carrying of heavy items (such as luggage or heavy backpacks), poor posture, repetitive motion, or sleeping in an awkward position.
Chiropractic care for neck pain
If your neck pain is minimal and is not the result of a traumatic injury, proper self-care treatments can help minimize pain and provide relief. Alternate between applying heat and ice packs to the affected area to reduce swelling. Make sure your head is properly elevated during sleep, and incorporate light neck stretches to relieve a tight or sore neck.
While many people might use prescription or over-the-counter medication to ease neck pain, they do not treat the underlying health problem. If your neck pain persists, consider scheduling an appointment with our chiropractic doctors at Petett Chiropractic. Our chiropractors will thoroughly examine your health history, along with testing your posture, reflexes, strength and flexibility. If needed, X-rays may be taken to help the doctors evaluate specific problem areas.
Your chiropractor may use a combination of gentle yet effective neck and spinal manipulation to treat your neck pain. We also offer hot and cold therapy, massage therapy, and other treatment services to provide a holistic approach to treating your health concerns.
Petett Chiropractic is conveniently located in Renton, with our chiropractic clinic facility less than 30 minutes away from Seattle. Give us a call now at (425) 277-2225 to schedule an appointment or learn more about how chiropractic can provide you relief from neck pain.
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