A Pain in the Neck: Is it Serious?

Neck pain often ranges from uncomfortable to an issue that prevents us from doing daily activities. There are various factors that contribute to neck pain, and thankfully, some are avoidable!

Usually neck pain subsides on its own, but if it persists it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Usually in these cases it’s best to seek treatment early. Some common neck pain instances include:

• Stiff neck
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Soreness or tenderness
• Radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, or head​

More serious symptoms include:

• Tingling or numbness that radiates into shoulders or arms
• Trouble lifting or gripping objects
• Loss of balance or coordination

​What Causes Neck Pain?

Often, it’s everyday activities that can cause persistent neck pain. Sprains and strains are the most common causes. Strains happen when a muscle or tendon has been irritated by over-extension or overuse, and a sprain is essentially the same thing but on a ligament.

Common causes of sprains and strains include:

• Sleeping in the wrong position: Awkward or unusual sleeping positions can cause tension and pressure within the neck, leading to neck pain the following day.
• Sports injuries: Sometimes a new sport or a collision  or fall can cause a minor neck injury.
• Poor posture: Sitting slouched at home, in the car, or at work can cause persistent neck pain.
• Repetitive motion: This is common among swimmers and dancers who move their heads side to side frequently.
• Unusual positions: Looking straight up at a movie screen for two hours or holding a phone between the neck and shoulder for an extended period of time are common examples of this.
• Whiplash: When the head and neck are suddenly forced backward then forward, soft tissues near the cervical spine tend to tear or rupture.

Chiropractic Care Can Pinpoint the Cause and Solution

At Southwest Chiropractic, we understand that neck pain is at best a nuisance and at worst debilitating. Regardless of your degree of pain, we are passionate about helping you feel better and live a full healthy life. Contact us today and we’d be happy to schedule you a consultation create a wellness plan and get you on the mend in no time.