Neck pain can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Sometimes it may take the form of mild discomfort that comes and goes, or of shooting pain that is only triggered by certain movements, but it has a significant impact on people’s activity level and satisfaction with life. Dr. Jennifer Wilson and Dr. Robert Wilson at Wilson Chiropractic in Beaumont, Texas, want to help our patients understand the causes of neck pain and how they can be helped with non-invasive treatments that alleviate discomfort and restore function.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
One of the most common causes of neck pain is muscle strain. This can occur due to poor posture, such as slouching while sitting at a desk or looking down at a smartphone for extended periods. These habits can lead to muscle fatigue and tension in the neck and upper back, resulting in pain and discomfort. They can also be a factor in the development of subluxations, which are small misalignments in the vertebrae.
Another common cause of neck pain is whiplash, which often occurs in car accidents. Whiplash involves a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, leading to overstretching of the muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion.
Cervical disc issues, such as herniated or bulging discs, can also contribute to neck pain. When the discs in the cervical spine become damaged, they can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness that may radiate into the arms or head. Degenerative disc disease, a condition that occurs as the discs wear down over time, can also lead to chronic neck pain.
Osteoarthritis is another significant factor in neck pain, particularly in older adults. It can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints of the neck, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. When cartilage is inflamed and bones are grinding together, they may develop bone spurs, which can also push against soft tissues and cause movement restrictions.
Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain
At Wilson Chiropractic in Beaumont, Texas, Dr. Jennifer Wilson and Dr. Robert Wilson provide multiple options for managing neck pain. One of the main methods we use is chiropractic adjustments. Careful uses of force realign the vertebrae in the cervical spine, reducing pressure on the nerves, alleviating pain, and improving mobility.
In addition to spinal adjustments, we may use soft tissue therapy in your treatment plan. Therapeutic massage can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, facilitating healing and alleviating discomfort associated with neck pain.
Therapeutic exercises are also an essential component of our approach to treating neck pain. Dr. Jennifer Wilson and Dr. Robert Wilson will design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting the neck and get them used to flexing again. These exercises can also reduce the risk of further stress injuries to the joints.
Lifestyle Modifications and Education
In addition to corrective and maintenance treatments, we believe in educating our patients about lifestyle modifications to support neck health. This may include guidance on proper posture, ergonomic modifications for work stations, and recommendations for safe lifting techniques.
Learn More About Chiropractic Solutions for Neck Pain
If you’re living with neck pain, you don’t have to wait to start getting treatment. At Wilson Chiropractic, we help patients manage their neck pain and correct its causes through personalized care and comprehensive treatment options. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Jennifer Wilson and Dr. Robert Wilson in Beaumont, Texas, call (409) 866-8661.