Neck Pain and Neck Stiffness

• Symptoms of Neck Pain
• Causes of Neck Pain
• When to See Dr.Kaila
• Neck Pain Treatments

Neck pain and stiffness are common, affecting more than 25% of North American adults. Often, neck pain stems from sleeping in an awkward position, poor posture, or overuse. However, in some cases, it can signal a more serious issue. Neck pain may indicate an injury like whiplash, osteoarthritis, or other significant conditions.

If you experience neck pain with symptoms such as numbness or loss of strength in the arms or hands, or pain radiating to a shoulder or down an arm, book an appointment with Dr. Kaila. For any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our Central Park Chiropractic office in Burnaby at 604‑439‑1230.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

Experiencing neck pain can range from a mild discomfort that barely interferes with daily activities to a severe, disabling condition. In more intense cases, neck pain might appear suddenly, with sharp, acute sensations that are difficult to ignore. This discomfort may be temporary, lasting just a few days or weeks, or it could linger, turning into a chronic issue.

Common symptoms of neck pain include:

• Stiff Neck: Many people describe neck pain as a sensation of stiffness, as though their neck feels “stuck” or tight. This stiffness can worsen when holding the head in a fixed position for extended periods, such as when driving or working on a computer. It often leads to a limited range of motion.
• Sharp, Localized Pain: Neck pain can also manifest as sharp or “stabbing” pain focused on one specific area, which may feel intense and uncomfortable.
• Pain During Movement: Movement can worsen neck pain, especially when twisting, turning, or bending the cervical spine. Actions like moving your head from side to side or up and down can intensify discomfort.
• Radiating Pain or Numbness: Neck pain can radiate to the head, torso, shoulders, and arms. When neck pain is due to nerve compression, you may experience numbness, tingling, or even weakness in one or both arms or hands. Pain from a pinched nerve might feel like a burning or sharp sensation that originates in the neck and extends down the arm.
• Headache: Neck pain often contributes to headaches, known as cervicogenic headaches. Sometimes, neck pain with a headache can also be a symptom of migraines.
• Pain with Pressure: Pain may increase when you touch, press, or palpate the neck, whether by self-examination or during a physical assessment by a doctor.

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain and stiffness can arise from various medical conditions, physical changes associated with aging, or strain from everyday activities. Given that the neck supports the head—an average weight of about 11 pounds—it’s susceptible to injuries and strains that may restrict motion and cause discomfort. Neck pain can develop suddenly or gradually over time.

Injury

The neck is highly vulnerable to injuries from falls, car accidents, or sports activities, where it may be forced outside its normal range of motion. Such trauma can strain or damage the neck’s muscles, ligaments, disks, vertebral joints, and nerve roots, often resulting in neck pain. Rear-end car accidents can cause the head to snap backward and then forward, straining soft neck tissues—a condition known as whiplash. Whiplash can lead to long-lasting discomfort if left untreated.

Muscle Tension and Strain

Everyday habits can cause neck strain and tension, including:

• Poor posture, especially during prolonged desk work
• Holding the same position for too long without breaks
• Sleeping with improper neck support
• Sudden jerking movements during physical activities
• Repetitive motion or carrying a heavy shoulder bag

Heart Attack

• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the arm or jaw

If you experience neck pain with any of these symptoms, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

Meningitis

Meningitis, the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, may cause symptoms like:

• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Fever

Meningitis is a serious, potentially fatal condition. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience these symptoms.

Additional Causes

Several other conditions can contribute to neck pain, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Causes swelling and pain in the joints, which can extend to the neck.
• Osteoporosis: Weakens bones, making small fractures more likely, including in the neck.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition causing widespread muscle pain, particularly in the neck and shoulder areas.
• Disc degeneration: Aging can lead to cervical disc degeneration, or spondylosis, which narrows the space between vertebrae and places stress on joints.
• Herniated disc: A slipped or ruptured disc can press on spinal nerves, causing intense pain and discomfort.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal column, often due to arthritis, can increase pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Mental stress: Persistent stress can lead to unintentional neck muscle tension, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Rare Causes

In some cases, neck stiffness or pain may be due to more uncommon factors, such as:

• Congenital abnormalities
• Infections or abs
• Cesses
• Tumors
• Cancer affecting the spine

When to Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Kaila

If you’ve been dealing with neck pain for more than a week, it’s time to have Dr. Kaila thoroughly examine your neck and assess your condition. Early evaluation can help prevent your symptoms from progressing. You should also seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Severe, unexplained neck pain
• Persistent headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling
• Pain radiating down your arms or legs
• Inability to move your arms or hands fully
• Inability to touch your chin to your chest
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?

When diagnosing neck pain, Dr. Kaila will begin with a comprehensive medical history and a physical exam. During the examination, Dr. Kaila will check for signs of tenderness, numbness, and muscle weakness. Range of motion tests will assess how far you can comfortably move your head forward, backward, and side-to-side.

Additionally, Dr. Kaila may ask specific questions to better understand your symptoms, such as:

• When did the pain begin?
• Have you recently sustained an injury?
• Are you experiencing numbness or weakness in your arms or hands?
• Does the pain worsen with activities like coughing or sneezing?

If your neck pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and legs, don’t wait. Call our Burnaby office at 604‑439‑1230 or schedule an appointment online. Immediate evaluation is essential, especially if pain results from an accident, fall, or if it continues to worsen despite treatment.

Advanced Imaging and Diagnostic Tests

For a clearer picture of the cause behind your neck pain, Dr. Kaila may recommend imaging tests or other diagnostic procedures.

Imaging Tests

• X-rays: These images help reveal if neck nerves or the spinal cord may be compressed due to bone spurs or other structural changes.
• CT Scan: CT scans produce detailed cross-sectional images from multiple X-ray views, allowing for a thorough examination of the neck’s internal structures.
• MRI: Using radio waves and magnetic fields, MRI captures highly detailed images of the neck’s bones, spinal cord, nerves, and disks. MRIs are particularly useful in identifying soft tissue issues.

It’s worth noting that some structural issues visible on X-rays or MRIs may not cause symptoms. That’s why imaging is most effective when combined with a careful physical exam and medical history to pinpoint the exact cause of pain.

Additional Tests

• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG test is valuable for identifying whether neck pain may be due to a pinched nerve. The procedure involves inserting tiny needles into specific muscles, measuring the speed and efficiency of nerve conduction.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect inflammation or infections that might be underlying causes of neck pain, providing additional insight into any potential systemic factors.

Neck Pain Management and Treatment

At Central Park Chiropractic and Massage, we employ natural and safe procedures to effectively manage neck pain.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain Relief

Chiropractic care is a highly effective, safe, and noninvasive solution for individuals experiencing neck pain. Rather than simply masking symptoms, chiropractic treatments focus on addressing the root causes of neck issues, promoting long-term relief and improved spinal health. Here’s why chiropractic care can be a game-changer for neck pain:

Holistic and Noninvasive Treatment

Chiropractic treatments use a blend of gentle therapies designed to naturally relieve pain and restore function without the need for drugs or surgery. Among these, the chiropractic adjustment stands out as the essential component of effective neck pain relief. Through careful adjustments, chiropractors can realign the spine to address the core issues underlying neck pain, restoring mobility and reducing pain at its source.

Addressing Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain often stems from two main sources:

1. Acute Injuries: Events like whiplash can alter the structural alignment of the neck and cause soft tissue damage, resulting in persistent pain.
2. Chronic Strain: Prolonged poor posture or repetitive strain can cause stress on the neck and spinal structures, leading to misalignment and ongoing discomfort.

In both cases, the vertebrae may become misaligned, causing joints to move improperly and increasing strain on muscles and nerves. Chiropractic adjustments work to correct these misalignments and restore natural movement, providing a targeted approach that helps prevent further damage.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Relieve Pain and Promote Healing

Chiropractic adjustments re-align the spinal components, which not only improve structural integrity but also triggers a reflexive pain-relief response. The adjustments stimulate mechanoreceptors—special receptors in the joints that, when activated, send signals to the brain to reduce pain and ease muscle tension. This natural pain relief can significantly improve comfort and mobility.

Additionally, chiropractic adjustments introduce gentle movement into areas affected by stiffness or inflammation, promoting the flow of healing nutrients and reducing inflammation that irritates pain-sensitive fibers.

Chiropractic care offers an empowering approach to neck pain by focusing on the root causes and fostering a natural, non-invasive path to recovery. By restoring proper alignment and enhancing mobility, chiropractic care can help you achieve sustained relief and support your body’s optimal function. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic treatment, contact our office to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward lasting neck pain relief.

IMPORTANT: If you’re experiencing neck pain after a fall or accident, or if your pain is severe, unresponsive to treatment, worsening over time, or accompanied by numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs – DO NOT IGNORE THESE SIGNS. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition that needs prompt medical attention. Call our Burnaby office at 604‑439‑1230 or book an appointment online now to get the expert care you need. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term well-being.