Neck Pain Treatment Fort Collins CO
Neck Pain Treatment in Fort Collins, CO
The neck, also known as the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and is made up of seven small vertebrae. The critical task of holding up one’s head, which weighs about 12 pounds on average, lies directly on the neck. The biomechanics of the neck – the flexibility it has and the function of moving the head in nearly every direction – contribute to its susceptibility to pain and injury.
Neck pain is a common concern. Ask us what a screening involves. It can be difficult to determine the exact cause due to the wide range of causes, from a neck injury like whiplash to viral or bacterial infections like meningitis to sleeping wrong. Symptoms can also vary widely, from mildly annoying to so excruciatingly painful that one avoids any movement at all.
If you are looking for neck pain treatment or have questions about back pain and relief, contact us online at our Fort Collins office or call us at (970) 377-3557 to ask what a screening involves and discuss a non-invasive chiropractic approach.
Symptoms of Neck Pain
Stiffness
Soreness and difficulty moving, especially turning the head side to side.
Sharp pain
Stabbing or stinging, localized in one spot, often in the lower neck.
General Soreness
Tender or achy.
Radiating Pain
Radiates from neck into shoulders and/or arms, may feel like burning or searing.
Tingling, Numbness, or Weakness
Radiates into shoulder, arm, fingers; “pins-and-needles” sensation; typically in one arm.
Trouble with Gripping or Lifting Objects
Tingling, numbness, weakness in fingers.
Migraines
Tight muscles or pinched nerves can cause pain to radiate into the head.
Common Causes
Sleeping in a wrong position
Sleeping in an awkward or atypical position can cause neck pain.
Sports injury
Collision or fall while playing a sport can cause a "stinger," when nerves in the neck/shoulder are impacted and pain, numbness, and weakness can radiate down the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Poor posture
The head tilted forward for long periods of time causes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to work harder. This poor posture often happens while working at a computer, watching TV, reading a book, or gardening. "Text neck" is a common problem due to spending hours looking down at the phone while texting.
Repetitive motion
Turning the head repeatedly, such as side to side while dancing or swimming can cause neck pain.
Holding the Head in Unusual Position
For example, cradling a phone between the head and shoulder while talking, or when watching an air show.
Whiplash
When the head and neck are quickly jolted forward and backward with a great deal of force ( such as in an auto accident), possibly tearing or rupturing soft tissue near the cervical spine.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Wear and tear on the spine or disc dehydration can lead to herniated disc, pinched nerve, or arthritis.
Herniated Disc
When a disc tears and leaks it can lead to nerve irritation.
Spinal Stenosis
This narrowing of the spinal canal can lead to nerve compression.
Infections
Viral or bacterial, such as meningitis or tuberculosis of the neck.
Fibromyalgia
A chronic, widespread pain disorder.
Contact our Fort Collins office today at (970) 377-3557, or e-mail us online, to schedule a complimentary spinal screening and let us provide neck pain treatment in a natural way.
Natural Neck Pain Treatment
Chiropractic adjustments are one option people ask about when exploring care for neck pain. During a screening, we can explain what an adjustment involves, discuss your questions about chiropractic care and “vitalism,” and review the research and its limitations with you.
Our chiropractor reviews your health history and discusses your questions about symptoms, posture, range of motion, and what a spinal screening involves. We can explain terms such as subluxations and what any proposed care plan would include, so you can make an informed decision about next steps.
If you have questions about chiropractic adjustments, ask what an adjustment involves, what the evidence does and does not show, and what to expect during a visit. As with any care plan, ask questions and learn how your body works so you can make informed decisions. You are an important member of your own health care team.
FAQ’s
Common causes of neck pain include the following:
- Sleeping in a wrong position
- Sports injury
- Poor posture
- Repetitive motion
- Holding the head in an unusual position
- Whiplash
- Degenerative disk disease
- Herniated disk
- Spinal stenosis
- Infections
- Fibromyalgia
Get In Touch With Us
If you have any questions about how we can help you take the next step with your health and quality of life, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (970) 377-3557.