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More than Just a Pain in the Neck?

When is a pain in the neck more than just a pain in the neck? When is it the sign that something more serious may be involved? Typically, neck pain is caused by a muscle strain, and one side of the neck may experience more pain more than the other. But when neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be cause for concern.

For example, neck pain with vomiting and a stiff neck may indicate meningitis. If you cannot touch your chin to your chest and experience drowsiness, confusion and/or sensitivity to bright lights – call a medical professional right away.

Neck pain with weakness in the arms and tingling in the fingers may indicate a herniated disc, which is pressure on a nerve root due to a narrowing of the spinal cord canal. Chiropractic can be helpful.

Neck pain and trouble moving your head without pain? This could signal fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain in your muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. It could also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that affects your joints, particularly those in your feet, knees and hands.

Neck pain after an automobile accident is usually referred to as “whiplash,” because the neck, when you are in a car that is hit from behind, tends to snap suddenly forward and then backward, causing what is known as cervical acceleration/deceleration (CAD) trauma or syndrome.

Most people experience neck pain at some time in their lives. Chiropractors receive specialized training that helps them to locate and often relieve the causes of your neck pain, restoring normal mobility in the neck and other affected body parts.

In addition, chiropractors are skilled at determining whether you have a relatively minor issue, or whether you require referral to a specialist. Please advise us regarding any neck pain you are experiencing, whether or not the pain is severe.

After examining you thoroughly, we will try to restore normal feeling and function in your neck and other affected body parts, or make a referral to the proper specialist. Continued care will help ensure that the muscles and joints in your neck and back remain in optimal working condition to keep you living life to your fullest potential, without restriction.