Take a moment to slowly move your head from left to right and observe how your neck feels. Is there tension? Maybe it’s a new sensation or something you’ve been dealing with for a few years, hoping it will resolve itself. Well, you’re not alone. 

Neck pain is a common, sometimes debilitating condition that often goes untreated. According to Harvard Health, approximately 80% of people experience neck pain during their lifetime, and 20%-50% experience discomfort annually. Neck pain can make even the simplest movements involving the neck, head, arms, shoulders, and back excruciatingly difficult. When left untreated, immobility resulting from neck pain can even cause the muscles to weaken and degenerate over time. 

While home remedies for neck pain, like OTC painkillers and icing, may provide a quick fix, investing in quality chiropractic care is the only way to address the root cause of your pain. Working with a licensed chiropractor in Willowbrook will help you create an effective treatment plan for both short and long-term recovery. 

WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN?

The neck, otherwise known as the cervical spine, consists of the first seven vertebrae that support your head’s weight, protect your spinal cord, and allow for a wide range of head motions. While the small size of these vertebrae is conducive to mobility, it makes them more susceptible to injury and neck pain (cervicalgia). 

There are two primary forms of neck pain: axial neck pain (felt mainly in the neck) and radicular neck pain (pain that shoots into other areas, i.e, shoulders or arms). It can be acute (lasting from a few days to six weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than three months).

Neck pain is a common symptom of many injuries and medical conditions, including: 

• Repetitive physical strain
• Poor posture
• Trauma/injury (i.e., whiplash)
• Sleeping position
• Bone structure abnormalities
• Joint issues
• Muscle strains and pulls
• Degenerative diseases (i.e., osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis)

While it may seem a mere annoyance initially, untreated neck pain can have severe consequences. A misalignment of the spine usually accompanies neck pain. When neck muscles spasm, the spine gets pulled out of alignment, causing nerve irritation. 

In some cases, the neck pain will temporarily subside, but the misalignment that caused the problem remains. Over time, that area can become aggravated, causing the pain to return. If the problem is not corrected, it can progress to the point where surgical correction may be the only option.

CONVENTIONAL VS. HOLISTIC NECK PAIN TREATMENTS

The most common home remedy for neck pain is prescription or over-the-counter medications. While medications may help relieve short-term symptoms, they act as a band-aid leaving the underlying issue unaddressed. 

Dr. Chris Menton, D.C., firmly believes in a holistic approach to chiropractic treatment that addresses the structural causes that lead to neck pain. Our experienced chiropractors in Willowbrook use a “whole person” approach to work with our patients to discover their particular wellness needs, then craft personalized care plans to help them achieve the highest quality of life.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Read our testimonials to see what our patients have to say.

Fill out this form to receive a FREE CONSULTATION and start developing a plan to tackle your neck pain once and for all.