Neck Pain Treatment
Care through chiropractic - Neck pain Treatment in Sunnyvale
Your neck is heavy
Your neck pain begins at the base of the skull. It contains seven small bones called vertebrae. Your neck supports the weight of your head which weighs about 12 pounds. As a result, you can move your head in every direction, making your neck very prone to pain and injury. Treatment in our Sunnyvale office will give you quick relief.
Causes of neck pain can include Whiplash injuries, repetitive movements, extended sitting, falls and other injuries. Dr. Cady is a specialist in evaluating and treating neck pain. Make an appointment today to get out of pain fast.
Causes:
Neck pain may result from abnormal soft tissues. This includes the muscles, ligaments, and nerves, in addition to the bones and joints of the spine. Common causes of neck pain include soft tissue injury and long-term wear and tear. In addition, some neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders or arms.
Likewise degenerative and inflammatory disorders cause neck pain. Examples include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people. It results from the wearing out of the joints between the bones in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause destruction of the joints of the neck. Both of these major types of arthritis frequently cause stiffness and pain. These causes of pain respond well to chiropractic treatment.
When should you seek chiropractic care?
Begin chiropractic care as soon as possible. When an injury causes neck pain which radiates down the arms and legs, seek care right away. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated.
Seek chiropractic care when neck pain is:
- continuous and persistent
- moderate or severe
- accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs
- accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness
Cervical disk degeneration similarly causes neck pain. The disk acts as a shock absorber between the bones in the neck. With neck degeneration (typically age 40 and above), the normal gelatin-like center of the disk degenerates. As a result, the space between the vertebrae narrows.
As the disk space narrows, added stress to the joints of the spine causes further wear and degenerative problems. The cervical disk may also protrude and cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This concludes with weakening of the rim of the disk. This is known as a herniated cervical disk.
The neck is very flexible and since it supports the head, it is extremely vulnerable to injury. The most common injuries are to the soft tissues, including the muscles and ligaments.
Who can treat neck pain
Many patients seek chiropractic care for neck pain. Chiropractors are specifically trained in the workings of the musculoskeletal system. This includes the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems involving the spine. Dr. Cady treats a wide variety of injuries and will work to help you get out of pain fast.
Diagnosing neck pain
Determining the source of the pain is essential. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of neck pain. Dr. Cady will put you through range of motion in addition to orthopedic tests to help determine the cause of your pain
Dr. Cady will take your history of the difficulties you are having with your neck. He will ask you about other illnesses, in addition to any injuries that have occurred to your neck along with complaints you have associated with neck pain.
X-ray studies may be ordered to allow Dr. Cady to properly evaluate the bones in your neck. These diagnostic techniques often help Dr. Cady to determine the cause of neck pain and to prescribe the most effective treatment.
Neck pain treatment
Treatment will be specifically tailored to your problem. However, most patients treat successfully with spinal manipulation, physical therapy and muscle work. For instance, if there is from inflammation as a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, Dr. Cady may prescribe gentle manipulation, electrical muscle stimulation and ice. After that, regular stretching helps to maintain range of motion.
Similarly, when neck pain persists or is chronic, Dr. Cady may recommend a rehabilitation program including an exercise program and various types of physical therapy. After that, muscle work may to help relieve your pain and prevent it from coming back. For the vast majority of patients, a combination of rest, chiropractic care and physical therapy relieves neck pain.
To sum up, Dr. Cady is a chiropractic doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment. (read more)