Maybe you’ve been sleeping in the wrong position or overworking your muscles. A stiff and painful neck is a universal condition. Whatever your age or gender, everyone can suffer from the signature sharp pains and soreness that you get when turning or bending your neck.
However, when it becomes chronic, your condition may be more serious than you think. When the symptoms such as headaches, palpating, sharp pains, and stiffness last longer than usual then booking an appointment with a neck and back chiropractor may be necessary.
Here are a few things you should know about neck pain:
Possible Causes
Neck pain and stiffness can be caused by a variety of factors. Muscle injuries and other underlying health conditions may be the root of the problem. Here are some of the possible causes:
- Muscle Tension & Strain
The most common cause of neck pain and stiffness, muscle tension, fatigue, and sprain are a result of poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and intense exercise. A quick remedy for this is a visit to a neck stiffness chiropractor. However, if you still feel any swelling or inflammation underneath after your visit, then there’s probably an underlying health issue.
- Injury
Due to its unique position, your neck is extremely vulnerable when it comes to injuries and hazards. Falls, sports, car accidents, and other hard physical trauma can cause the muscles and ligaments to be forcibly moved from their normal placement.
Moreover, if the bone within, the cervical vertebrae, gets broken or fractured, the inner nerves can be damaged, which could be fatal. Whiplash caused by inertia can also cause the neck to jerk strongly and damage its muscles and bones.
- Heart Attack
One of the more serious and immediate causes of neck pain is a heart attack. Due to the intense sensations that your diaphragm experiences, its pain receptors may be too irritated and unable to respond to the stimuli, causing it to redirect the pain along the neck and shoulders.
If your neck pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, vomiting, nauseous, and jaw pain, then you may be suffering from a minor or major heart attack, which is cause for alarm. You should be seen by a medical professional right away.
- Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the thin tissues that envelop your spinal cord and brain. it is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the spinal fluid. This can be detected within the 3 to 7-day window since the start of the infection.
One of its most common symptoms is a stiff neck. This is largely due to increased sensitivity of the nerves of your dura mater (the connective tissue that comprises the meninges of the brain) making it more responsive to the slightest stimuli. If your stiff neck comes together with headaches, vomiting, photosensitivity, and fever, you need to go to the nearest health facility as soon as possible.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis is most recognizable for the damage it incurs on the body’s joints as it inflames the nerves and bones. It usually attacks symmetrically, so if one side of your body hurts, then chances are the other side will too. With its mechanism, it may also attack your neck area, which could lead to increased stiffness and pain.
- Spondylosis
A general term for degenerative spinal diseases, spondylosis usually attacks the aging cervical discs of the spine, making the spaces between the vertebra narrower and tighter. This phenomenon can cause the bones to clash with one another and lead to sharp pains. There are different varieties of this, such as herniated docs, spinal stenosis, and more.
What’s worse is if this condition is left unchecked, it could gradually become even worse. So, if you have an inkling that your neck pain and stiffness are caused by this, it’s best to visit the nearest orthopedist or physical therapist for help.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of neck pain are the following:
- Sharp stabbing pains
- Numbness
- Tingling and burning sensation
- Headache
- Throbbing pain
Easing Neck Pain
Neck pain can be eased for a while with these homemade treatments and first aid responses:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Bed rest and reduced physical activity
- Low-intensity neck stretching and exercise
- Improving one’s posture
- Gentle massages on the neck and back
- Using a special neck pillow
- Wearing a neck brace if recommended by a doctor
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
If these home remedies are not working, then you should visit a chiropractor for treatment. Chiropractors have a variety of techniques, ranging from massage therapy, and adjustments to treat muscle tension and can significantly alleviate neck pain. Chiropractic care can:
- Reduce nerve and spinal disc pressure
- Improve the blood flow
- Increase the spinal mobility
- Improve sleeping patterns
- Remove muscle tension and joint stiffness
When to Seek Medical Help
If you need care on top of your chiropractic treatment, seek the aid of your primary care physician or a specialist, like an orthopedist or rheumatologist. These doctors can conduct a more in-depth assessment of the causes and factors that may have led to your condition. The best time to visit a doctor is when you experience the following symptoms (that come with severe and prolonged neck pain):
- Neck lumps
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Swollen glands
- Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Chest pains
- Paralysis
The causes of neck pain are wide-ranging and can be influenced by any underlying conditions that you may have. If you are experiencing neck pain, you should stay calm, listen to your body, and get in touch with professionals.
While there are a variety of home remedies, professional help from a chiropractor or doctor is recommended. They have more knowledge and experience in the field and know what treatment is best for you. If you need chiropractic treatments and neck pain treatment in Kitchener, look no further than Fairway Chiropractic Centre. Dial us today at 519-748-5535 or email us at [email protected] for an appointment.
