Neck Pain Specialist
The neck, also called the cervical spine, is a delicate body part. It is a structure of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that enables your neck to move in various directions. There are seven stacked bones called cervical vertebrae. The top part connects to the skull, and the bottom to the upper back and cervical discs absorb any shock between the vertebral bones.
Dr. Bradley Eyford, DC, is an experienced Tacoma chiropractor. He examines common lifestyle patterns, such as prolonged screen use and forward head posture, which often contribute to muscle imbalances and tension in the neck and shoulders.
Inflammation, abnormalities, or injury to the neck can cause pain, which may be managed through medical, surgical, or alternative treatment methods. Regardless of severity, it’s best to consult a chiropractor early to manage neck pain and prevent long-term complications.
At Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection, our chiropractors use adjustments as an effective, non-invasive way to address the root cause of neck pain.
What Are The Symptoms Of Neck Pain?
Some common neck pain symptoms are:
- Constant aching neck
- Numbness and tingling in upper arms
- Difficulty in moving the upper arms
- Neck stiffness and soreness
- Headaches
- Pain in arms
The following conditions can cause pain in the neck:
- Prolonged straining and Muscle strain
- Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
- Cervical herniated disc and Cervical radiculopathy
- Cervical spondylosis
- Untreated accidents & traumas
- Whiplash injury
Extended mobile phone usage and wearing heavy necklaces are some other benign reasons for neck pain.
Types Of Neck Pain
Neck pain is classified according to the cause, which can be muscular, neurological.
The different types of neck pain are:
- Muscle pain
- Facet joint pain
- Nerve pain
- Referred pain
Bone pain
Neck pain that is confined to the cervical region only is usually not very problematic. It can be because of a tension headache and neck muscle spasm.
However, sometimes, neck pain exhibits the following symptoms:
- Tingling and numbness in upper arms or hands
- Movement difficulty in the upper arms or hands
These symptoms usually indicate a nerve compression such as cervical radiculopathy.
In most cases, self-care and spinal manipulations can provide pain relief in the early stages. However, in rare cases, pain can worsen, leading to possible permanent nerve damage and even paralysis. Surgery may be the best solution to treat the condition at this stage.
Neck Pain Treatment
Neck pain, which is not severe, usually responds well to self-care and rest. The following measures can help treat excruciating pain:
- Painkillers and muscle relaxants provide immediate pain relief
- Neck pain occurs because of malpositioning of the neck and improves with correction of posture
- Heat and ice packs and electrical stimulation can also offer neck pain relief
- Gentle stretching exercises relieve muscle spasms and decrease pain
- Steroid injections help reduce the severity of pain and inflammation
Collar support for neck muscles is not recommended unless torn ligaments and muscles exist.
Chiropractic Treatment For Neck Pain
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive approach to managing neck pain successfully. It works by applying manual traction and massaging that releases tension in the neck muscles.
The spinal adjustments help fix subluxation and restore joint mobility. It helps realign the cervical spine and reduce the pressure on nerves so that you feel better.
We may also suggest neck strengthening exercises, posture maintaining tips, and rest for better pain relief.
Sometimes non-surgical decompression of nerve roots is necessary for chronic and severe pain that affects limbs.
Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection Clinic is a highly rated chiropractic clinic specializing in therapy for neck pain. We have 20+ years of experience and knowledge providing the highest quality of care to our patients.
Long-Term Problems Of Untreated Neck Pain
It doesn’t matter how terrible neck pain is; it requires appropriate and timely treatment. Ignoring neck pain for a long time can have severe consequences, such as:
- Weakness and numbness in shoulders, arms, and hands
- Neck muscle weakness
- Degenerative disc disease
Book an Appointment For Neck Pain Treatment
Request an appointment online by calling us at (253) 396-1000
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain
Are Tacoma Chiropractors safe for neck pain treatment?
Chiropractic care for neck pain provides symptomatic relief without any medical or surgical intervention. The cervical spine manipulation corrects subluxation, restores the misaligned joints, releases muscle spasm, and minimizes pressure on the nerves. As the pinched nerve is freed, the pain improves.
Does medical insurance cover neck pain?
Most Health insurance covers the cost of diagnostic tests, chiropractic care, physical therapy, medications, and other programs for neck pain.
What is the fastest way to relieve neck pain?
Mild to moderate neck pain can be improved by good self-care and over-the-counter medications. Exercising and maintaining an appropriate posture of the neck releases muscular tension and provides immediate symptomatic relief.
Can neck pain be a sign of infection?
Neck pain can occur due to an infection of the throat. The lymph nodes enlarge because of the infection, leading to neck pain on the left or right side.
What can cause pain at the base of the neck?
The following conditions cause pain at the base of the neck:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Strain and sprain injuries of neck muscles
- Car accidents, even a minor one
- Disc herniation
- Cervical radiculopathy
Why does my neck hurt at the base of my skull?
Spinal subluxation due to mild trauma, which usually goes unnoticed, manifests as pain in the back of the neck. The tension headache due to muscle spasm appears in the head and may travel down to involve the neck area.
How do you know if neck pain is severe?
In some cases, neck pain can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs attention, particularly if it’s accompanied by numbness, tingling, or difficulty moving your arms or hands. If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult your chiropractor for a proper diagnosis and relief.
When should I be concerned about neck pain?
Neck pain that increases in intensity over time or lasts more than six weeks is worth paying attention to. If any of the following symptoms are present, consult your neck pain doctor in Tacoma right away.
- Age over 55 or under 20
- Tenderness in the neck
- Fever, malaise, or nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
How should I sleep to avoid neck pain?
The best sleeping position for neck pain is the one that supports the neck. Ideally, one should sleep on the back or the side and keep a soft pillow beneath the neck to support its curvature, simultaneously supporting the head with a flat pillow.
Is neck pain a sign of high blood pressure?
A constant neck pain increasing in severity with time can be a sign of high blood pressure.
