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Your neck is a very sensitive part of your body, particularly prone to damage and injury. Neck pain can be extremely uncomfortable, and these unpleasant sensations can have an effect on the rest of your life. You may also feel tired, low energy, irritable, or unfocused. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, perhaps it’s time to face the pain and reclaim your life.

So what can be done? How can you identify the root cause of your discomfort and then fix it? Luckily, neck pain is not uncommon and is fairly treatable. We will first walk you through how to diagnose your problem and any symptoms, then address the potential sources of this issue, then discuss how to treat it.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Neck pain is, as the name suggests, concentrated in your neck. That doesn’t mean that the rest of your body is unaffected, however. In fact, it can travel down your back and legs, and it can cause severe, debilitating headaches. Other symptoms include tightness or muscle spasms, as well as difficulty moving your head or holding a certain position (say sitting at your computer, driving your car, etc.). You may want to get a doctor’s opinion if your symptoms are completely debilitating.

Causes

There are a number of factors that can lead to neck pain, and many are simple to adjust. For example, poor posture, grinding your teeth, and carrying a heavy bag or purse on your shoulder can place unnecessary strain on your neck muscles. Accidents, such as whiplash or sports injuries, may also leave your neck feeling sore. Your neck pain may also stem from a pinched nerve, courtesy of one or more subluxated vertebrae in your spine.

Treatment

How you treat your pain will depend somewhat on the cause of the pain. If it’s muscular in nature, try alternating between cold (to reduce swelling) and hot (to soothe the muscles). Medicinal treatments, such as painkillers and muscle relaxers, can be a good short-term solution, especially if the pain is completely unbearable. Use this time to find a more permanent solution, or instigate some lifestyle changes that will make neck pain a thing of the past.

If your neck pain is the result of a pinched nerve, consider visiting a chiropractor. These doctors can help monitor your spine and correct any subluxations. We here at DiBella Chiropractic Center would be happy to guide you through that journey. Our offices are located in Gastonia, NC. Contact us and make an appointment today!

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