Neck pain can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease but it can affect the way you live your life and perform everyday tasks. So, if you’re experiencing neck pain, you’re not alone.
Neck pain has an annual prevalence rate exceeding 30% among adults in the US and nearly 50% of individuals will continue to experience some degree of chronic neck pain or frequent occurrences. If you are experiencing neck pain and think you should see a chiropractor then you are on the right track.
To help, we’ve put together ten signs to look out for that will tell you if it’s time to get into the chiropractic office. Keep reading to learn about and spot these easy red flags.
Then, if you’re experiencing one or more of these warning signs, make an appointment so that you can get the all-natural pain relief and healing you need so you can get back to your happy, thriving life.
Active Lifestyle
If you spend time working out or playing sports, your body is subjected to additional strain and pressure. This added stress can cause the spine to become misaligned. After prolonged physical activity, the body can become prone to pinched nerves, slipped discs, or other alignment problems. Seeking regular chiropractic treatment can help keep your body healthy so you can continue to live the active lifestyle you love.
The Soles of Your Shoes Wear Out Differently
Have you ever noticed that the soles of your shoes wear out differently? Well, this is a sign of an unbalanced postural or movement pattern. Areas of greater wear on your soles indicate more pressure from your feet. Uneven wear on your shoes is a very reliable indicator that you are experiencing a subluxation in the spine and need a chiropractic spinal manipulation to realign your spine to ensure the problem does not continue and turn into a chronic issue.
Your Job Is Sedative
Repetitive motions can have a big impact on your posture. Poor posture puts unwanted pressure on the upper back, neck, and shoulders. This pressure causes discs and bones to shift which can lead to degeneration and alignment issues. Chiropractic care can make sure your spine is aligned correctly, improve posture, and lessen any pain caused by sitting or standing all day.
Persistent Neck Pain
Common, everyday actions and habits, as well as common injuries such as whiplash, often cause pain in the neck. These causes may include injury, poor posture, subluxations, stress, and disc problems. There are common at-home treatments and over-the-counter medications that can help alleviate any neck pain. However, if the pain is persistent then it is time to consult a chiropractor in order to treat the pain.
Frequent Headaches
Headaches can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. They also have the ability to interfere with everyday tasks like work, sleep, school, exercise and even on appetite. There are three types of primary headaches that are most common without showing signs of an underlying illness.
1. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and up to 80% of adults in the U.S. get them from time to time. Those who spend a lot of time on computers and looking down at cellular devices are more prone to tension headaches. This type of headache feels like a band of dull pressure around your head and is accompanied by muscle aches, irritability and troubling sleeping. Tension headaches are typically the result of misaligned vertebrae in the back or neck which causes strain and spasms in the neck. Chiropractic care can help ease the pain and lower the frequency of tension headaches.
2. Migraine Headaches
The American Migraine Foundation estimates that more than 36 million Americans get migraines, women 3 times more often than men. Migraines are associated with throbbing pain, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, nausea, and long headache duration. Migraines occur when the blood vessels in the brain constrict and dilate.
3. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are sudden and intense headaches that are said to be the most painful type of headache. The sudden nature and short duration of this type of headache means that over-the-counter medications are typically ineffective. Usually associated with excruciating pain that affects one side of the head, cluster headaches commonly occur overnight with no warning signs. They may last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours. Chiropractic care can help restore proper oxygen-flow to help alleviate pain and lower the frequency.
Lower Back Pain
One of the most obvious signs that a chiropractic visit is needed is if you are experiencing chronic back pain. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to back pain, such as posture, how long you’re on your feet each day, and the type of work that you do. Back pain can also be accompanied by knee problems, muscle spasms, muscle tightness, restricted motion or range of motion, especially when twisting or bending, sciatica (nerve pain on the backs of the legs) and sharp pain. Frequent alignment adjustments by your chiropractor can help alleviate these symptoms and provide you with pain relief.
Limited Range of Motion
If you’re struggling to do simple activities such as putting on your shoes, pulling across your seatbelt, or picking up a basket of laundry then it’s time for a chiropractic visit. Especially if you notice that your arms and legs are not as flexible as they used to be or if your neck won’t turn as far. Chiropractic adjustments realign the bones and joints, relieving pain and increasing the body’s range of motion. Having normal range of motion helps the body to function optimally.
Chronic Pain In Joints or Muscles
A lot of people suffer from muscle spasms or pain in their knees, ankles, hands or other joints that can benefit from chiropractic care. Muscle spasms occur when muscles are over or under used, such as strenuous physical activity, or long periods spent stationary. This causes muscles to flex without our control, and the low flow of blood to the area can cause sudden and stabbing pain. Joint pain could be as result of a misalignment which can cause muscle spasms to worsen.
Shooting Pain Down Your Legs
If you are experiencing a sharp, shooting pain in your legs, or tingling and weakness, this could be a sign that you are suffering from a pinched nerve or slipped disc. This could be caused by sitting still for too long or standing in one position for an extended period of time. Chiropractic care can help alleviate any pain due to a pinched nerve or slipped disc. However, numbness and tingling can be signs of a serious underlying illness so consulting with a doctor and chiropractor is very important.
Recent Accident or Injury
If you have been involved in an accident, seeing a chiropractor is a top priority. Even the smallest of accidents could cause a misalignment which can lead to pain in the neck, back, arms and legs. Your chiropractor will be able to create a custom recovery plan in order to heal your body and get it back to normal or minimal pain.
Time to See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain
Now that you know the easy-to-spot signs that it’s time to see your chiropractor for neck pain, you can make an appointment when needed or relax when it’s not.
Please reach out to us if you’re not sure about your pain, have questions, and/or would like to make an appointment for a consultation or treatment.
We’re here to help you thrive and stay fit with a healthy spine and body.