Neck pain is quite common, with the majority of people experiencing it at some point in their lives. This discomfort or pain may originate in the neck region but can often radiate down along one or both arms. According to Dr. Gerard Graves of Pinehurst Alternative Medicine in Pinehurst, NC, neck pain can occur for a variety of reasons, typically related to injuries, disorders, or diseases that may impact the many components that make up the neck region.
Common Neck Pain Symptoms
The spine in the neck, or cervical region, is specifically identified by seven vertebrae referred to as C1-C7. When the cervical spine is subjected to pressure, it can create discomfort and pain. Additionally, neck pain may indicate something related to the nerves that run through the neck that connect your brain with each part of the body.
Neck pain may manifest as one or a combination of the following -
- Sharp pain.
- Tenderness/dull ache.
- Headaches
- Pain radiating down the shoulders.
- Dizziness.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Muscle spasms.
- Issues when speaking/swallowing.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain can vary, but many people experience this type of pain simply from years of poor posture. Other causes include -
- Arthritis
Around 60 million U.S. adults experience arthritis (with a variety of limiting and painful symptoms). In fact, this widely experienced disorder is among the leading causes of disability in the United States.
- Muscle Strain
Misusing or overusing neck muscles may cause a painful strain. Examples include reading in bed and hunching over a smartphone or laptop.
- Trauma
Traumatic injuries (i.e., whiplash, ruptured ligaments, torn muscles, etc.) from playing sports, a car accident, or many other causes can create neck pain.
- Spinal/Cervical Stenosis
Although stenosis can occur in other locations, in this instance, it refers to the spinal canal narrowing in the neck region, which can create pressure on nerves, developing the potential for a variety of symptoms.
- Disc Degeneration
The discs that separate the spine’s bones often deteriorate – from aging or an injury. Disc degeneration may be caused by any combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Neck Pain Treatment Options
These are the options offered by Dr. Graves that can help relieve neck pain-
- Gentle Adjustments – with or without instruments.
- Electrical Stimulation Therapies.
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation.
- Interferential Current Therapy.
- Functional Medicine Protocols.
- Therapeutic Exercise.
Call a Leading Pinehurst Chiropractor Near You
For more information regarding the many services available that offer relief of neck pain symptoms, contact Dr. Graves or a staff member of Pinehurst Alternative Medicine at 910-420-1279 or online.
