Neck Pain

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Neck pain is a common symptom that is defined as pain in the neck region, also known as the cervical region. Most people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. It can be caused by many conditions ranging from serious to less serious. Serious causes of neck pain may include stroke and infections of the spine and tumors.

More common causes of neck pain include sprain or strain of muscles and/or ligaments (commonly seen following car accidents or injury), disc herniation (slipped disc), cervical degeneration (arthritis), cervical nerve irritation, tight muscles, and postural issues. Due to the many different causes of neck pain, it is very important to have an evaluation by a healthcare professional in a timely manner.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NECK PAIN

COMMON CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF NECK PAIN

The symptoms of neck pain will vary depending on the cause. The most common conditions are listed here:

Cervical or Neck Sprain/Strain:

Injury to the muscles, ligaments and/or tendons located in the neck is called a cervical sprain or strain which is sometimes also commonly referred to as “pulled neck muscles” or as “having a kink in the neck.” Sprain/strain is the most common cause of neck pain. It occurs due to trauma, over-activity, lifting, poor posture, sudden movement, or overuse.

Symptoms may include:

  • Neck pain, cramping and/or spasms that may or may not radiate to the shoulders
  • Neck pain that is worse with certain movements
  • Neck pain that may start 24-48 hours after the initial injury
Cervical Radiculopathy:

This is also referred to as “radiculitis” or is commonly called a “pinched nerve” in the neck. It occurs when the nerves or nerve roots in the neck become compressed due to a bone spur, cervical disc herniation, and/or inflammation of tissues in the vicinity.

The cervical disc exists between the spinal bones in the neck. The function of the disc is to act as a shock absorber and cushion the individual spinal bones (vertebrae) and allow for neck mobility. The disc consists of a tough outer layer and an inner jelly like layer. A cervical disc herniation can occur when there is wear and tear of the tough outer layer allowing the inner jelly like substance to slip or herniate through the outer layer potentially irritating spinal nerves or the spinal cord.

Symptoms may include:

  • Neck pain that may be associated with a muscle spasm and radiate down one or both arms
  • Numbness and/or tingling (the feeling of “pins and needles”) in the hands or fingers
  • Weakness of the arm, shoulder, or hand
Cervical Spondylosis:

Cervical spondylosis (otherwise known and degenerative osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” arthritis of the cervical spine) is very common and worsens with age. It is the result of wear and tear on the bones, discs and ligaments of the neck. Cervical spondylosis may result in cervical radiculopathy/radiculitis (described above), or myelopathy (a compression of the cervical spinal cord).

Symptoms may include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Cracking and popping sounds with movement of the neck
  • Headache
  • Decreased range of motion of the neck
  • Pain in shoulder or arms

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy may include:

  • Numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Decreased range of motion of the neck
  • Difficulty walking or balancing
  • Spasms in muscles
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
Inflammatory Arthritis

Examples of inflammatory neck pain include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

Symptoms may include:

  • Constant deep aching pain
  • Prolonged morning stiffness
  • Stiffness and pain that improves with activity and worsens with rest

DIAGNOSIS OF NECK PAIN

At Greater Chicago Specialty Physicians, with both a medical doctor and a chiropractor available, you can be confident that an accurate diagnosis will be made. We collect information about your symptoms, perform a detailed physical exam, and may order appropriate imaging and lab work if necessary to determine the exact cause.

TREATMENT OF NECK PAIN

At GCSP, we offer multiple approaches for the management of neck pain in our facilities.

Traditional Medical Approach:

The traditional medical approach involves medications, bracing, and therapy for the treatment of neck pain. Our medical doctors may also recommend steroid or trigger point injections or refer you for evaluation by a spinal surgeon if necessary.

Alternative approach:

Chiropractic care, acupuncture, clinical massage, and Nu-V3 stimulation therapy are examples of our alternative treatment options.

Chiropractic Approach: Our chiropractic division uses an evidence based multi-modal treatment approach for the treatment of neck pain. This consists of a unique combination of spinal manipulation, clinical massage, electrical stimulation, various stretching techniques and reconditioning exercises to strengthen your neck and associated muscles. Work ergonomics and tips to improve posture so that this condition does not occur again may be discussed.

Unlike conventional Chiropractors who limit their practice to spinal adjustments and/or massage and some physical therapy companies that provide cookie-cutter treatment plans, our chiropractors create individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs and combine multiple modalities of care to approach the patients as a whole. Our goal is to provide long term benefits and prevent the pain from occurring again and again by addressing the root cause of the pain rather than just treating the symptom.

Treatment plans typically have 3 phases:

Phase 1: Decrease acute pain

Phase 2: Address root cause of pain, restore function, and increase strength

Phase 3: Return to all activities of daily living as tolerated and provide home exercise & ergonomic advice to prevent re-occurrence

The frequency of care and the number of visits it will take to treat will vary based on the type and severity of neck pain. Depending on the condition, our providers can dedicate up to 1 full hour of one-on-one care to patients.

Acupuncture:

Click here for section on acupuncture

Clinical massage:

Click here for section on massage

Nu-V3 Stimulation Therapy:

Click here for section on Nu-V3

Combination approach:

Our goal at GCSP is to offer multiple options under one roof so you can find the care you want and need. Many patients take comfort that their alternative care can be done under the supervision of a medical doctor and that they can seek another opinion or treatment option at our facility. By choosing your care at GCSP, we can take a team approach to ensure you are receiving the best options for you.

LET US HELP YOU “GET PAIN FREE, GET MOVING, AND GET WELL”

The physicians at GCSP will do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your neck pain. They have helped countless numbers of patients improve their pain, increase function and improve their quality of life.

Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you “Get Pain Free, Get Moving, and Get Well.”