Neck pain is all too common. It may start in your neck, but this issue has the potential to radiate down one arm or even both. Various disorders, injuries, or diseases affecting the complex structure of the neck can cause this discomfort. If you're grappling with persistent (or sudden neck pain), known as cervicalgia, Dr. Kyle Roesler at the Back & Neck Care Center of Olivette, Missouri, can diagnose the underlying factors and provide relief from neck pain that might interfere with your daily life.
Typical Neck Pain Symptoms
The neck region of your spine is known as the cervical spine. It consists of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. The discs between the cervical spinal bones provide significant flexibility and effectively absorb shocks while you move.
Pressure on the cervical spine can result in significant pain that should be assessed by a spine specialist or chiropractor because the nerves transmitting signals from your brain to the rest of your body crisscross this delicate region of the spine. Potential symptoms include -
- Sharp or dull pain.
- Limited range of motion.
- Stiffness.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Muscle spasms or tenderness.
- Problems with speech and swallowing, among others.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Pain emanating from the neck region can happen after years of poor posture or -
- Disc Degeneration — a gradual breakdown or deterioration of the intervertebral discs in the spine, typically resulting from a combination of various genetic and environmental factors.
- Trauma/Injury—Injuries may result from contact sports, a motor vehicle collision, or other incidents. Injuries may take the form of whiplash, a neck sprain, a muscle tear, ruptured ligaments, or even broken vertebrae.
- Disc or Facet Joint Arthritis — These small joints located between adjacent vertebrae assist in movement and provide stability to your spine when moving.
- Cervical/Spinal Stenosis — Stenosis causes the spinal canal to narrow and is typically the eventual outcome of the aging process. The reduced or narrowing of the spinal cord creates pressure on nearby nerves and, ultimately, pain and a variety of symptoms.
- Muscle Strain — Overuse or misuse of the neck may cause muscle strain. A strain can happen from hunching over a device or reading in bed to make yourself sleepy.
Neck Pain Treatment Options
The following are examples of the available non-surgical pain relief options offered by Dr. Roesler at the Back & Neck Care Center of Olivette -
- Gentle Full Spine Adjustments.
- Electrical Stimulation Therapies.
- Spinal Decompression.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound.
- Cryotherapy.
- Therapeutic Exercise.
Contact Your Olivette, MO, Chiropractor for Neck Pain Relief
For more information regarding neck pain treatment options, contact Dr. Roesler or a staff member at Back & Neck Care Center of Olivette by calling 314-432-2220 or online.