Why Does Neck Pain Happen?

There are many different causes of neck pain. For many people, neck pain is the result of muscle strain and muscle tension. This often happens in people who have poor posture habits, people who sleep with their neck in an odd position, or people who keep their neck rigid for prolonged periods without moving it (such as working at a computer all day without breaks). Injury is one of the most common reasons for neck pain. During an accident, like a car accident or a sports accident, the soft tissues in the neck are forcibly extended far beyond their normal reach before the neck moves back into position. This sudden back and forth motion creates the neck injury known as whiplash. There are numerous other potential causes of neck pain, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and spondylosis (cervical disc degeneration) among other things.

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When Does Neck Pain Appear After an Accident?

Accidents are among the most common causes of neck pain, but many people don't realize how that pain develops post-accident. After an accident, many people think that they are not injured because they feel no pain in the neck area. However, injuries like whiplash may take several days to appear. A person may be in an auto accident, go to bed feeling fine, and then awaken with neck pain the next day. With neck injuries, it is best to be checked out right away post-accident, even with no symptoms. A chiropractor can diagnose injuries and start treatment right away, which means it is possible to avoid much of the pain, stiffness, and other discomfort.

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How Does Chiropractic Care Help?

Our chiropractor can provide neck pain relief with careful adjustments to the neck as well as the spinal column. The soft tissues are manipulated very gently and carefully so as to allow for natural healing while the range of motion is enhanced. When the neck and spine are aligned correctly, pain relief is achieved much more easily and more rapidly. Physical therapy modalities may also be helpful for extra pain relief.