Neck Pain

Neck pain often develops because of misalignments in your vertebrae that cause inflammation and nerve compression. If your neck pain fails to go away within a few days, visit Steven Zimmerman, DC, of Zimmerman Chiropractic in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Zimmerman specializes in using chiropractic techniques to realign the vertebrae, relieving inflammation and pain. For fast relief from neck pain, call Zimmerman Chiropractic today or book an appointment online.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is usually due to damaged tissues in the cervical spine — the seven vertebrae that form your neck. Common causes of neck pain include:

Poor posture

Poor posture frequently causes neck pain and often headaches. Sitting in the same position, hunching your shoulders, constantly looking down, and having inadequate support for your spine can all lead to posture-related neck pain.

Subluxations

Subluxations (spinal misalignments) in the neck vertebrae are common because the neck has less support from surrounding structures and must take the weight of your head. Signs of subluxation in the cervical spine include head tilting, uneven shoulders, and differing shirt sleeve lengths.

Stress

Stress causes muscle tension and is a common problem in the back and neck. Tightened muscles from stress frequently cause neck pain and headaches.

Herniated discs

Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae, protecting and stabilizing your cervical spine. Damage to the disc’s tough outer shell allows the jelly-like core to bulge against the weakened tissue or herniate (push through into the spinal canal). This puts pressure on the nerves coming off your spinal cord.

What other problems might neck pain cause?

In addition to pain in your neck, you might experience other symptoms of nerve compression, such as:

• Tingling
• Prickling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Burning sensations
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms

You may also have limited range of motion in your neck or be unable to turn your head.

How is neck pain treated?

The treatment Dr. Zimmerman recommends for neck pain depends on its cause.

Gentle exercise and deep breathing exercises might be all you need to relieve muscle pain in your neck. Learning stress management techniques can significantly improve pain by reducing tightness in the neck muscles. You should also check your posture and address stiffness, slumping, and repetitive strain.

Dr. Zimmerman often uses chiropractic manipulation to resolve the causes of neck pain. Chiropractic techniques include:

• Activator Method® (manual manipulation)
• Graston Technique® (instrument-assisted adjustments)
• Thompson Technique™ (drop table)
• Bio-energetic synchronization technique® (B.E.S.T)

Dr. Zimmerman is a Gonstead® chiropractor, so he treats each patient holistically. In addition to chiropractic treatments, patients benefit from following exercise routines at home to stretch and strengthen their neck. Dr. Zimmerman also offers advice on diet and nutrition, which is essential for a healthy body.

To find the cause of your neck pain and get prompt, effective treatment, call Zimmerman Chiropractic today or book an appointment online.