Neck pain is one of the most common complaints Dr. Jeff Brown sees in his Greenville chiropractic office. It is also one of the conditions that responds exceptionally well to chiropractic care when the underlying cause is correctly identified and treated.
Whether your neck pain came on after a car accident, developed gradually from long hours at a desk, or appeared seemingly out of nowhere, the first step is figuring out exactly what is causing it.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Like back pain, neck pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the weight of the head, houses the spinal cord, and allows for a wide range of motion in multiple directions. That complexity means there are a number of different structures that can be the source of pain.
Common causes of neck pain that respond well to chiropractic care include:
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Cervical joint dysfunction and spinal misalignment
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Whiplash and soft tissue injuries from auto accidents
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Herniated or bulging cervical discs
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Cervical nerve compression causing pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms and hands
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Muscle strain from poor posture or repetitive motion
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Degenerative disc disease and cervical arthritis
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Facet joint irritation
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Tech neck from prolonged forward head posture
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Sleeping in an awkward position
Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Neck pain that originates from a disc injury requires a different treatment approach than neck pain caused by a muscle strain or a facet joint problem. Treating the wrong thing wastes time and can make matters worse.
Dr. Brown performs a comprehensive examination before any treatment begins, including postural assessment, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological evaluation, and x-rays when indicated, to identify the precise source of your pain before recommending any course of care.
How We Treat Neck Pain
Treatment for neck pain at Brown Chiropractic Center is tailored to the findings of your examination. Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, care may include hands-on cervical adjustments using Gonstead or Diversified technique, low-force Activator adjustments for patients who prefer a gentler approach, Cox disc distraction for disc-related complaints, cervical traction to decompress the cervical spine and relieve nerve pressure, cold laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound to reduce inflammation and promote soft tissue healing, and high voltage galvanism for acute muscle spasm and pain control.
Neck Pain and Auto Accidents
Neck pain is the most common complaint following a car accident and is frequently the result of whiplash, cervical disc injury, or both. If your neck pain began after a collision, it deserves prompt evaluation regardless of how minor the accident seemed. Many of the most significant cervical injuries do not produce immediate symptoms. Early treatment produces better outcomes and proper documentation from the start protects your personal injury claim.
When to Seek Care
Neck pain that has been present for more than a few days, is getting worse rather than better, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness into the arms and hands warrants a professional evaluation.
Dr. Brown will give you a clear picture of what is causing your pain and an honest recommendation about what chiropractic care can do for your specific situation.
