Do you have neck pain?

If the answer is yes, that means there is something that is not functioning properly in your neck.  The body uses pain to communicate with the brain and to alert it when there is a problem.  Using over the counter pain relievers stop the communication, the pain signal, but do not fix the problem the body is trying to warn the brain of.  Without fixing the dysfunction you are exposing your body to unnecessary medications and are leaving the problem dormant to come back again and again, likely worse in the future.

Do you have neck stiffness?

The obvious reason for neck stiffness is that there are joints that are not moving correctly.  There are seven vertebrae stacked upon one another in the neck and between each is a disc and a joint.  Each joint was created to move a specific amount and when one is not moving properly other joints begin to take over leading to problems in other areas of the spine.  Stiff joints prevent adequate nutrition from entering the disc leading to degeneration and other significant problems to the disc and surrounding nerves.  Stiff joints also lead to uneven joint wearing and contribute to degeneration and arthritis of the spine.

Do you have arm/hand symptoms?

All of the nerves responsible for sensation in the arms and hands leave the spinal cord through passageways between the vertebrae in the neck.  If you are experiencing sharp or dull pain, numbness, tingling, or even muscle weakness of the arms or hands it is highly likely the problem is originating in the neck.  Any type of injuries, wear and tear, and/or daily activities could cause these symptoms.  Complaints related to the nervous system can be very serious and if untreated can become permanent.

Do you have headaches?

There are many types of headaches that occur for different reasons.  Chiropractors are experienced in evaluating headaches and can tell you if the source is stemming from a neck problem, stress, food allergy, something you are doing in your daily activities, or something that is more serious warranting a medical referral.  Chiropractors treat headaches quite successfully because many are due to joint dysfunction and muscular imbalance in the neck.

The one thing all of these conditions have in common is, by not seeing your chiropractor and addressing the problem, they are getting worse.  Occasionally we come across patients that have these simple complaints and uncover more serious matters.  With all examinations we must determine if the patient can be treated by chiropractic or if they need immediate medical attention prior to their treatment.  Once this has been determined, specific orthopedic tests will be performed to identify the biomechanical cause of the complaints.   An individualized treatment plan will be created to alleviate the symptoms and restore proper function, and lifestyle recommendations made to prevent future occurrences.

If you have had, or are experiencing, any of these symptoms then it is time to see your chiropractor.  If you are interested in being proactive in your health and wellness, take a moment to ask your chiropractor for suggestions on how to prevent neck injuries.

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