Neck pain is a common medical issue that affects around 80% of people during their lifetime, according to Harvard Health Publishing. While neck pain results from multiple factors, chiropractic care is an effective, non-invasive treatment method to improve neck function while reducing pain.

Read below for more information about the causes of neck pain and how chiropractic treatments can help from the leading neck pain chiropractor in New York, Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

The cervical spine is part of the neck region of the upper back, a complex structure of interacting bones, muscles, soft tissues, and nerves. The primary function of the cervical spine is to support the head and facilitate its full range of motion.

The flexibility of the cervical spine and its constant, repetitive use make the area susceptible to several conditions that cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.

Poor Posture

Poor posture is one of the leading causes of neck pain. Many lifestyle habits in modern life lead to poor posture, such as slouching over computers, sitting in office chairs, and generally sedentary living. Poor posture exerts undue stress on neck structures and causes strain, leading to pain and immobility.

Muscle Strain

Several causes result in muscle strain in the cervical spine. Poor posture, as mentioned above, causes muscle strain. Other typical activities that lead to muscle strain and neck pain include:

  • Side sleeping while holding pillows
  • Sleeping on the stomach with outstretched arms
  • Using a pillow that does not correctly support the cervical spine
  • Working long hours at a desk, even with good posture
  • Heavy lifting and trauma from falls or collisions
  • Repetitive neck motions

Whiplash

Whiplash is the term used for neck injuries caused by sudden and forceful motion of the cervical spine. The sudden trauma causes neck muscles to overstress and contract violently, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain. It is one of the most common neck injuries there is.

Whiplash symptoms are not always immediately noticeable after the initial injury. In some cases, they can take several days to occur. Severe whiplash can cause injury beyond muscle strain, including cervical discs, intervertebral joints, ligaments, and nerve roots.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a medical condition indicated by progressive degeneration in the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. According to Columbia University, roughly 90% of people show some disc degeneration on a scan by the age of 60 — though many of them never feel it.

The condition leads to herniated or bulging discs, which in turn exert pressure on the nerves that run through the interior of the cervical spine. That can cause severe neck pain, tingling, and numbness. Depending on the affected nerves, the pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms, and hands.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause significant neck pain.

Osteoarthritis is a condition involving the degeneration of cartilage between intervertebral joints. This degeneration can lead to the development of bone spurs that press on nerves inside the cervical spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmunity condition that causes the body to attack parts of various neck joints.

Seeing a Chiropractor for Neck Pain Treatments

A skilled neck pain chiropractor provides a holistic, non-surgical approach to treating neck pain. The treatments focus on the musculoskeletal system and use various methods to reduce pain and restore function.

Spinal Adjustments

A primary chiropractic technique involves spinal adjustments. This type of therapy involves realigning cervical vertebrae that have gotten out of proper position.

Professional adjustments restore healthy cervical posture and alleviate undue pressure and stress on nerves, discs, and muscles. In addition to reducing pain, spinal adjustments help promote improved neck mobility.

Additional Chiropractic Treatments

In supplement to the core treatment provided by spinal adjustments, chiropractors also use other treatments to target neck pain. Those include:

  • TENS therapy. Low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is delivered to affected areas of the cervical spine to override pain signals from affected nerves. The reduction in pain helps to accelerate tissue healing.
  • Massage. Movement-based massage addresses painful muscle adhesions, scar tissue, and trigger points.
  • Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy. Chiropractors use special instruments to treat muscle tension and improve mobility.
  • Physical therapy. Chiropractors often prescribe physical therapy and directed exercise to reduce pain and improve mobility.

The key to successful chiropractic treatment for neck pain is selecting an experienced and skilled licensed professional. Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care in the New York City metropolitan area provides residents with expert chiropractic services to address the multiple causes of neck pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.

If you are interested in consulting with a neck pain chiropractor for pain management, Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care is here to help.

Neck Pain Chiropractor FAQs

Here are some questions that patients ask about how chiropractic care can improve neck pain.

How Does Poor Posture Contribute to Neck Pain?

Poor posture contributes to neck pain because it places extra pressure on the spine and neck muscles. Prolonged poor posture positions, such as leaning or slouching into a computer monitor, holding a phone between the ear and shoulder, and sitting improperly, strain the neck and cause pain and discomfort.

What Is Text Neck?

Text neck is a condition caused by looking downward at phones or other devices over prolonged periods.

The posture problem leads to overstretching tissues in the neck. In addition to chiropractic treatment, text neck can be corrected and avoided by holding devices at eye level and taking frequent breaks from electronic devices while practicing good posture in general.

Can Chiropractic Care Help With Degenerative Disc Disease?

Chiropractic can help with degenerative disc disease by managing symptoms. While there is still no known medical cure for disc degeneration, spinal adjustments and other forms of treatment with a neck pain chiropractor can effectively reduce pain and inflammation while improving strength, flexibility, and mobility.