Experts estimate that 80% of people develop neck pain at some point in their lives. In fact, as many as 50% of us deal with neck issues on an annual basis.
What about you? Is your neck pain affecting your ability to work, sleep, or relax? Are you tired of taking pain pills to manage your symptoms?
If this sounds like you, it might be time to Google “family chiropractor near me.” Visiting a Lexington chiropractor can help to identify the root cause of your neck pain. Over time, it can also get you on the path to a pain-free life — without drugs or surgery.
What should you expect when you visit a Lexington chiropractic clinic? Here are seven questions the doctor may ask you.
1. When Did Your Neck Pain Start?
First, your Lexington chiropractor will want to know how long you’ve been dealing with neck issues. They’ll also want to know if there was a specific event that triggered the pain.
Of course, some causes are obvious. If you were involved in a car accident last week, you’re probably experiencing an acute case of whiplash.
Sometimes, though, the reasons for your pain are not as clear. Chronic, ongoing neck issues are usually the result of many different factors. Whether you’ve had neck pain for two days or 20 years, your chiropractor will need a timeline to determine the best course of treatment.
2. Have You Experienced Physical Trauma?
Car accidents are a common cause of neck pain, but there are countless other events that could leave you hurting. Tell your chiropractor if you’ve ever experienced things like:
- A sports injury
- A fall from height (a ladder, a roof, etc.)
- A fall from a horse or a bicycle
- A blow to the head or a concussion
- A forceful amusement park ride
Even if the trauma happened months or years ago, it could be a contributing factor to your current symptoms.
3. What Makes Your Pain Better & Worse?
Throughout the day, you’ve likely noticed that different situations impact your symptoms. Your family chiropractor will want to know anything that worsens your pain, as well as anything that gives you relief.
Common examples include:
- Sitting, standing, or lying down for extended periods of time
- Changing position from sitting to standing (or vice versa)
- Being physically active
- Being physically sedentary
- Sleeping or attempting to fall asleep
- Working on a computer or another device
- Picking up or carrying heavy items
- Stretching your neck, shoulders, and back
If possible, track your pain patterns for a few days and take brief notes to your appointment. Do you often wake up with a headache? Does your neck ache after sitting at your desk all day? Do you get relief from lying on your back or taking a short walk?
4. Do You Have Any Other Symptoms?
Neck pain doesn’t always stay localized. Depending on the cause, it can also create an array of other symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Jaw pain
- Shoulder pain
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- Weakness in the arms and hands
Be sure to mention any unusual symptoms you’ve noticed, even if they don’t seem directly related to your neck pain. The more information your chiropractor has, the better equipped they’ll be to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
5. What’s Your Typical Day Like?
To get a better picture of your overall health, your chiropractor will want to know your daily routine.
For example, do you sit at a desk all day, or do you have a physically demanding job? Do you spend long hours commuting in your vehicle, or are you home taking care of your children? Do you regularly exercise and play sports, or are you mostly sedentary?
The answers to these questions can provide vital clues to your neck pain. For example, an office worker may suffer because their monitor isn’t set to the correct height. In fact, leaning forward to look at a screen or a smartphone can put up to 60 pounds of unnatural strain on your neck!
Sometimes, a tiny habit we might not even think about can be an underlying cause of pain. Do you carry a heavy purse on one shoulder or sit with your wallet in your back pocket? Over time, these small habits can create major imbalances in our body structure.
6. What Are Your Sleeping Habits?
Another common culprit of neck issues is the wrong type of pillow or mattress.
A mattress that’s too soft, too firm, or simply too old can wreak havoc on your neck (and the rest of your spine). If your pillow is too low or too high, it will also strain your neck by placing your head at an unnatural angle.
Speaking of unnatural angles, are you a stomach sleeper? This position puts great strain on your neck, back, and spine. You may not have noticed any symptoms when you were younger, but over time, this habit can lead to chronic neck pain.
7. Have You Ever Received Chiropractic Care?
Finally, your chiropractor will want to know what you’ve already tried to address your neck issues. Let them know if you’ve taken pain medications or tried other treatments such as physical therapy, massage therapy, or acupuncture.
What helped your symptoms, and what didn’t?
Let your chiropractor know if you’ve had chiropractic care in the past or if this will be your first time. They’ll explain the fundamentals of chiropractic care and what you can expect during your treatment. They’ll also be happy to answer any questions you might have before you begin.
Neck Pain Relief From Your Lexington Chiropractor
Neck pain is annoying at best and debilitating at worst. If you’ve been struggling with acute or chronic neck issues, it’s time to get to the bottom of it.
The friendly, knowledgeable team at Wellington Family Chiropractic is here to help. Dr. Ian Puntney is a respected Lexington chiropractor with years of experience taking care of patients like you.
Are you ready to get relief from your neck pain without the need for drugs or surgery? Call our office at (859) 309-1996 or use our contact form to get in touch.