In today’s world run by technology, neck pain has become one of the most common conditions that we treat here at Capitol Chiropractic. Nearly 1 in 3 people with neck pain develop long-term, chronic issues. Don’t let your neck pain become chronic. Call us today at (217) 391-5446 to schedule an appointment of fill out the form on the bottom of the page to request an appointment online.
The average adult head weighs 10-12 pounds. When you aren’t laying down, your head needs to be held up by the muscles, joints, and ligaments in your neck. Research shows that every inch forward that your neck is in front of your shoulders, there is an extra 10 pounds of stress to your neck. This means that your neck is trying to hold 30-32 pounds of pressure if your head is only 2 inches in front of your shoulders. That 3-fold increase in pressure is one of the biggest contributors to neck pain.
Neck pain typically comes from constant stress—caused by poor posture or sleeping positions–or from direct injuries. Regardless of the cause, the sooner you get evaluated and treated, the better your results. Chronic pain that has been present for months to years not only takes longer to heal, but also will often never be completely cured. Determining the cause of neck pain is crucial to proper treatment. Common causes of neck pain include subluxation (bones out of alignment), sprains (ligament injuries), strains/tears/pulls (muscular injuries), and disc injuries (like bulges and heriations). Pain caused by each of these has subtle differences that we at Capitol Chiropractic specialize in so we can create a treatment plan to get you better as quickly as possible.
At Capitol Chiropractic Health Center, we are experts in diagnosing and treating all causes of neck pain. We specialize in healing all causes of neck pain, so call us today at (217) 391-5446 to schedule your exam and consultation today.
Common Causes of Neck Pain in Springfield, IL
Subluxation (bones out of proper alignment)
Chiropractors specialize in locating and correcting subluxations in the neck. Spinal bones being out of alignment can lead to nerve pressure. This nerve pressure can result in pain in the neck, head, or even a variety of issues into the arms and hands. Exercises, stretches, and medication can help with neck pain, but none of those will correct misalignment in the neck. At Capitol Chiropractic, we are experts in finding and correcting subluxation. Chiropractic adjustments are performed using specific tools or the doctor’s hands to quickly correct misalignments. If subluxation is your primary problem, you may find you feel better immediately after your adjustment.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear” of the bones and joints. It takes a long time to develop—many years, but can be sped up by injuries, poor posture, and inactivity. Regular, consistent movement and use (but avoiding overuse) is the best way to prevent osteoarthritis. This is the condition that causes bone spurs. Bone spurs, if in the wrong place, can cause irritation to nerves in the neck and cause neck pain. Both chiropractic adjustments and regular corrective exercise are necessary to properly treat osteoarthritis.
Tech Neck
Tech neck is a relatively new term that refers to neck pain resulting from looking down at electronic devices or working at a desk for too long. It’s no wonder it is such a pervasive issue since the average person today spends over 4 hours on their cell phone. Just like all forms of poor posture, tech neck increases stress on the neck. The doctors at Capitol Chiropractic specialize in improving posture and alleviating neck pain that stems from Tech Neck.
Bulging or Herniated Discs
Between each bone in the neck is a disc that is vulnerable to injury. Discs can be damaged or displaced from injuries, chronic stress, and/or poor posture. Disc damage usually cause neck pain, but they also cause pain referral into the upper back or into the arm/hand. Not only can disc damage cause pain, but it can also press on nerves to cause numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to fix a disc herniation, so it is important to address the problem as quickly as possible in order to avoid surgery.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury to the neck in which the neck “whips” backward after a quick forward movement or vice-versa. In Springfield, Illinois, this happens most frequently during a car accident. This type of injury damages ligaments in the neck and results in pain and decreased range of motion. Whiplash leads to permanent damage if unchecked, so getting evaluated as quickly as possible is paramount. Chiropractic care is the most effective treatment for whiplash.
Common Questions
I live in Springfield, Illinois and have neck pain. Is Capitol Chiropractic for me?
Yes! Chiropractic is the safest, most effective treatment for neck pain when properly performed by a licensed chiropractic physician. Here at Capitol Chiropractic, we have 3 licensed chiropractic physicians that specialize in diagnosing and treating neck pain.
When should I seek treatment for neck pain?
Even mild pain in the neck can be a serious issue, so getting checked as soon as possible is important. Neck pain is a sign that something in your neck is damaged and needs to be healed. Here at Capitol Chiropractic, we are experts in healing damage to the bones, muscles, ligaments, and discs in the neck. If your pain is from something else, we will make sure you get sent to the right place to get your problem resolved.
Is cracking or popping my own neck good or bad?
We strongly discourage anyone from trying to adjust their own neck. Forcing your neck into certain movements can cause damage to your ligaments, muscles, and joints. If your neck pops when moving through a normal range of motion without any strain, that could be helpful and will not cause damage. Licensed, professionally trained chiropractors like the doctors at Capitol Chiropractic Health Center should be the only people to “pop” or adjust your neck to ensure it is helpful and not harmful.
Will my insurance pay for chiropractic?
All insurance plans are different, so how much coverage you have will vary. As a service to our patients and prospective patients, we will check your insurance benefits for you. Any questions you have can be answered by Dr. Joe and Donna.
What can I do on my own?
Generally, a huge contributor of neck pain is poor posture. One of the most helpful things patients can do is to keep the head in line with the rest of the spine. Having the neck supported by a pillow rather than just your head when sleeping can help tremendously with this. Also, when standing and sitting, having your chin tucked in and down to your comfort level is generally preferable to jutting the chin forward.