Neck Pain Conditions

Our Team Are Experts In Discovering The Cause, Diagnosing And Treating Neck Pain And Stiff Neck Issues.

Understanding Neck Pain Conditions

Neck pain and having a stiff neck are fairly common ailments affecting millions of individuals worldwide, which can arise from a variety of causes. These conditions range from muscle strains due to poor posture or overuse to more severe problems such as herniated discs or degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. Symptoms may include stiffness, muscle spasms, headaches, and even radiating pain into the shoulders and arms. Understanding the underlying cause of neck pain is crucial for effective treatment, which is what we do using Gonstead Chiropractic.

A consultation with us involves deep and thorough examination from our Doctors, often requiring in house imaging and resulting in accurate diagnosis. This enables the best possible treatment options, which vary based on the condition. Continue reading to explore the range of neck pain conditions our Chiropractors deal with and to see if any of the listed conditions match your symptoms.

Whiplash | Cervical Strain / Sprain

Whiplash and neck strains are common injuries often resulting from sudden, forceful movements of the head and neck. These injuries frequently occur in car accidents, particularly during rear-end collisions, where the impact causes the head to snap forward and then backward in rapid succession. This motion can stretch or tear muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even cognitive issues. Besides car accidents, whiplash and cervical sprains can also occur in other situations. Any activity that involves sudden, forceful movements of the head and neck can put individuals at risk for these types of injuries. In addition to physical trauma, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing whiplash or neck strain. Poor posture and weak muscles in the neck and upper back can make individuals more susceptible to injury.

Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash and Neck Strains

Chiropractic care is a highly effective treatment option for addressing whiplash and neck strains. Our Chiropractors every day are diagnosing and treating issues related to the spine, muscles, and joints, with an emphasis on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and supporting the body’s natural healing process. While every cervical injury is different and requires tailored analysis, treatment for whiplash and neck strains typically involves a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and personalised exercises to help relieve pain and enhance function.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease (CDDD) is a condition that affects the discs in the neck, also known as the cervical spine. As individuals age, these discs can lose hydration and elasticity, leading to wear and tear. This process results in a gradual breakdown of the discs, which can cause neck pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. In some cases, CDDD may also lead to nerve compression, causing pain to radiate into the shoulders, arms, or hands. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease is a common condition that can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in individuals over the age of 50. This is because as we age, our bodies undergo natural degeneration processes, including the discs in our spine. However, certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and poor posture can also contribute to the development and progression of CDDD.

Although there is no cure for CDDD, there are various treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Symptoms of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

The symptoms of CDDD can vary widely. Common symptoms include:

Neck Pain: Often experienced as a dull ache that can flare up with movement.

Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: Difficulty turning the head or moving the neck smoothly.

Radiating Pain: Pain that may extend from the neck down to the shoulders, arms, and even hands, depending on the level of nerve involvement.

Tingling or Numbness: Caused by pressure on nerves, this may manifest in the shoulders, arms, or fingers.

Muscle Weakness: In some cases, nerve compression may lead to weakness in the arms or hands.

The symptoms may come and go, and flare-ups are often triggered by certain activities, prolonged static positions, or stress on the neck.

Cervical Disc Degeneration Treatment

Chiropractic treatment for cervical degenerative disc disease focuses on relieving pain and improving spinal function through non-invasive methods. The approach typically involves spinal adjustments, which are precise manipulations used to enhance mobility and alignment in the cervical spine. After a detailed examination has been conducted, our Chiropractors will tailor a treatment plan which may also incorporate therapeutic exercises and ergonomic advice to support posture and neck flexibility. Through these individualised treatment plans, we aim to reduce inflammation, enhance range of motion, and promote overall well-being, offering a holistic approach to managing symptoms associated with cervical degenerative disc disease.

Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck)

Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis, is a common, age-related condition affecting the neck region and is caused by wear and tear on the cervical spine over time. This process may lead to changes such as bone spurs, herniated discs, and stiff ligaments, contributing to neck pain and stiffness. Although it typically occurs in individuals over the age of 60, it can also be found in younger people due to factors like injuries or genetic predisposition. Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to more severe issues like chronic pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in the arms and legs. In addition to age and genetics, there are several other risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing cervical spondylosis. These include a sedentary lifestyle, repetitive or strenuous activities involving the neck, smoking, and obesity. People who work in jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing in one position may also be at a higher risk.

While there is no single cause for cervical spondylosis, it is believed that the wear and tear on the spine can be accelerated by poor posture and body mechanics. This includes habits such as cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder or sleeping with inadequate support for your neck.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Cervical disc herniation is a condition that occurs when the inner gel-like core of a cervical disc in the neck bulges out through a tear in the tougher outer layer, compressing nearby nerves. This can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and radiating pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Factors contributing to cervical disc herniation include ageing, repetitive neck motion, trauma, or degenerative conditions. Cervical disc bulges and herniation can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults due to the natural degeneration of the spine. This condition can also be caused by repetitive motion, such as constantly looking down at a phone or computer screen, which puts strain on the cervical discs. Traumatic events, like a car accident or sports injury, can also result in cervical disc herniation. While herniated discs are most common in the lower back, they can also occur in the neck, particularly between the C5-C6 and C6-C7 vertebrae.

Treatment for Cervical Disc Herniation

Chiropractic care serves as a non-invasive treatment option for cervical disc herniation, focusing on realigning the spine and alleviating pressure on affected nerves. Our chiropractor typically begins with a thorough assessment, including a physical examination and reviewing any necessary imaging like X-rays. Treatment may involve gentle spinal manipulations or adjustments aimed at improving spinal mobility and reducing nerve impingement. By addressing the root cause of the discomfort, chiropractic care can promote healing and improve overall function without the reliance on medication or surgery.

Learn More About Herniated Discs

Facet Joint Dysfunction | Facet Syndrome | Facet Arthropathy

Facet Joint Dysfunction refers to a condition affecting the small joints located between each pair of vertebrae in the spine, including the cervical (neck) region. These facet joints are vital for providing stability, allowing smooth movement, and preventing excessive motion in the spine. Dysfunction occurs when these joints become inflamed, irritated, or misaligned, leading to pain and restricted movement. It is a common cause of neck pain and stiffness. While facet joint dysfunction primarily affects the back and neck, it can also cause referred pain to other areas of the body. For example, dysfunction in the lumbar (lower back) region may cause pain to radiate down into the buttocks or legs. Similarly, neck issues may lead to headaches and discomfort in the arms or shoulders.

Causes of Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome, a prevalent form of facet joint dysfunction, can arise from several underlying causes. One of the primary factors is age-related wear and tear, where the degeneration of cartilage within the facet joints leads to increased friction and inflammation. This process is often accelerated by repetitive stress or certain occupational tasks that involve frequent bending, twisting, or lifting. In addition, poor posture, such as prolonged sitting with inadequate back support, can contribute to the development of facet syndrome by placing extra strain on the spine's joints. Obesity further exacerbates the condition by increasing the load on the facet joints, accelerating their wear. Traumatic events like falls, sports injuries, or automobile accidents can also precipitate facet syndrome, as the sudden impact can damage the joint structure. Understanding these causes is crucial for preventing facet syndrome and managing its symptoms effectively.

Chiropractic Treatment for Facet Syndrome

Our team offers a nonintrusive approach to managing facet syndrome, focusing on restoring proper alignment and function to the spine. With us, you get a chiropractor experienced in using manual adjustments to correct misalignments, which can alleviate pressure on the facet joints and reduce inflammation. These adjustments are often accompanied by therapeutic exercises that strengthen the surrounding muscles, enhancing stability and improving overall spinal health. By emphasising natural healing processes, we aim to not only relieve symptoms but also prevent recurrence by promoting long-term spinal health. Regular chiropractic sessions can be an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan, especially when combined with other therapies like physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.

Other Neck Pain Conditions

In addition to well-known causes of neck pain, such as whiplash, cervical disc herniation, and arthritis, there are other conditions that may contribute to discomfort and reduced mobility in the neck. These conditions vary in severity and origin, from muscular issues to nerve-related problems.

Here we have written a brief explanation of each to help patients in understanding these additional causes of neck pain.

Cervical stenosis: Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can occur due to age-related changes or other conditions. When it affects the cervical spine, it can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerves, leading to neck pain and other symptoms.

Cervical Strain Headaches: These types of headaches are caused by muscle tension and spasm in the neck, which can radiate pain to the head and cause headaches. Learn more about our headache experts.

Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that can radiate into the arms and hands.

Cervical Myelopathy: This is a condition that affects the spinal cord in the neck and can cause symptoms such as neck pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Torticollis: Also known as "wry neck," this condition causes the head to tilt to one side due to involuntary muscle contractions in the neck.

Fibromyalgia: This chronic pain disorder can cause widespread pain and tenderness, including in the neck and shoulders.

Cervical Kyphosis: This is an abnormal curvature of the spine in the neck, which can put pressure on nerves and cause pain and other symptoms.

Suboccipital Neuralgia: This condition is characterised by pain, tenderness, and muscle tightness in the suboccipital region at the base of the skull.

Text Neck: This is a term used to describe neck pain and stiffness caused by prolonged use of electronic devices, leading to poor posture and strain on the neck muscles. Learn more about Text Neck Syndrome.

Stiff Neck: This is a common condition that can be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. It can make it difficult to move the neck and may be accompanied by pain and stiffness.

Neck And Shoulder Pain: Sometimes, pain in the neck can also radiate to the shoulders and vice versa. This can be caused by muscle tension, nerve compression, or other conditions.

Neck Pain Treatment with Chiropractic Care

While all neck pain conditions may have different underlying causes, they can all lead to similar symptoms. We encourage people seeking neck pain relief and experiencing chronic or severe neck pain to see one of our Doctors, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition. When you visit, we may require imaging tests such as X-rays (which can be done onsite) to help diagnose the specific cause of your neck pain and develop a treatment plan.

To book an appointment use one of the ‘book online’ or ‘call now’ buttons, otherwise find all of our contact information on our contact page.

Treatment for Neck Arthritis

Our Chiropractors use a variety of techniques tailored to the individual’s specific condition and comfort level. Our approach is holistic, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of neck arthritis. Chiropractic adjustments are often an option for arthritis in the neck and are a cornerstone of chiropractic care. These gentle, precise movements aim to restore proper alignment to the cervical spine, reducing joint stress and improving mobility. For neck arthritis, adjustments may also help:

Reduce inflammation around arthritic joints.

Relieve pressure on nerves caused by misaligned vertebrae or bone spurs.

Improve neck range of motion, allowing for better function in daily activities.

With us, you get a highly experienced chiropractor able to use low-force techniques to ensure adjustments are safe and comfortable for all patients.