Why You Shouldn't Ignore Neck Pain

If you’ve ever slept in an odd position, you know that neck pain can be excruciating and extremely limiting to your range of motion. The neck is a complex part of your body with an amazing range of motion, but when your neck hurts, it’s hard to ignore. 

While you can soothe some neck pain with a heating pad, some neck pain can last for weeks.

Here at Pinnacle Health Chiropractic, it’s our mission to help ease your neck pain. Whether your neck pain is from poor spinal alignment or from an injury like whiplash, chiropractor Dr. Jason Ablett can help you get the relief you need.

In this blog, we explore the common causes of neck pain, why you shouldn’t ignore neck pain, and how we can help you.

Does your neck hurt?

Whether it’s acute (such as after an injury) or chronic, neck pain is tough to live with. Here are three reasons why you shouldn't ignore neck pain.

Neck pain doesn’t stop at your neck

Neck pain doesn’t always remain isolated in your neck. Although pain can start in your neck, it can radiate. When this happens, pain — tingles, sharp pain, or aches — can shoot from your neck through your arms and/or hands. 

A pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain, tingling, and even numbness in your arm. Radiating pain isn’t just the result of pinched nerves. Injuries to your neck can also cause this type of pain. 

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your neck is quickly thrust forward and backward. It’s a common auto crash injury, but you can sustain whiplash during sports collisions too. Whiplash causes a stiff sore neck, headaches, and even sore shoulders.

Bottom line: You shouldn’t ignore chronic neck pain that causes pain elsewhere in your body.

Neck pain can cause headaches

Left untreated, neck pain can contribute to headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are rooted in the cervical spine (your neck). Whiplash, osteoarthritis, poor posture, and prolapsed discs can cause cervicogenic headaches. 

In addition to headaches, you might notice a stiff neck and pain when coughing or sneezing. Before you can eliminate this type of headache, you have to treat the root problem in your neck.

Neck pain can interfere with your day-to-day activities  

You probably don’t think much about the amazing range of motion in your neck, until your neck hurts. Neck pain can make it difficult to get dressed, look both ways when you cross the street, find a comfortable position to sleep, or even just sit at your desk to type. 

You shouldn’t ignore chronic neck pain that interferes with your daily activities.

Finding the cause of your neck pain

When you come to Pinnacle Health Chiropractic, our first step is to determine what’s causing your pain. A proper diagnosis shapes your treatment plan.

Causes of neck pain can include:

• Overuse or overexertion
• Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease
• Accidents such as whiplash
• Posture, including poor posture while standing, sitting, or walking

Once we determine the cause, it’s time to create your personalized treatment plan.

What we can do for your neck pain

Treatments for neck pain can vary widely depending on the cause of your pain, but regardless, it’s not necessary to put up with your neck pain any longer. Depending on your symptoms and health needs, you may benefit from:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Custom exercise plan
• Advanced myofascial release techniques
• Rehabilitative exercises
• Home stretching regimen prescription

Dr. Ablett offers comprehensive, effective solutions for your neck pain. Get the relief you need by calling our Kirkland, Washington, clinic. You can also visit us online to request an appointment.