Neck Pain

The neck endures constant stress, whether you stoop over a computer screen or sleep the wrong way. At Atkinson Chiropractic in Turlock, California, family chiropractor David Atkinson, DC, targets the underlying cause of neck pain to help you find lasting relief from discomfort. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to learn more about neck pain.

What causes neck pain?

Also called the cervical spine, the neck consists of seven vertebrae and a series of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support and provide movement for the head. 

Many conditions and injuries can lead to neck pain, such as:

Muscle strain

Supporting the weight of the head leaves the neck vulnerable to muscle strains from acute injuries, poor posture, or even sleeping at an awkward angle.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that causes joint pain. The most common type, osteoarthritis, develops when the cartilage around the joint breaks apart. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the synovial lining inside the joint to swell.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis in the neck occurs when the cervical spine (neck) tightens and compresses the nerves in the spinal cord.

Carpal tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a thin passageway that runs through the hand and wrist. The median nerve stretches through it. Repetitive motions and wear and tear can cause the carpal tunnel to compress the nerve. Without treatment, pain can radiate from the wrist into the shoulder and neck.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

If you experience frequent neck pain, your provider at Atkinson Chiropractic performs a comprehensive exam. They review your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms. 

Your chiropractor also evaluates your posture and spinal alignment to detect abnormalities. Finally, they manipulate the bones and tissues in your neck to identify the exact location of your pain. After your assessment, your provider may order imaging scans, such as X-rays.

What are the treatments for neck pain?

The providers at Atkinson Chiropractic use gentle manipulative techniques to align your spine and relieve neck pain. Popular treatments for neck pain include:

Thompson Drop 

The Thompson Drop relies on a table to carefully stretch your spine with minimal pressure. Your chiropractor can adjust a piece of the table to manipulate your spine into the desired direction.

Palmer Diversified

The Palmer Diversified technique involves applying fast, forceful pressure on specific joints to shift them into alignment.

Cox Flexion Distraction

The Cox Flexion Distraction technique stretches and applies pressure to the spine. During this treatment, you lie on a table that has multiple moving parts. Your chiropractor can move these pieces to target different areas of the spine.

Call Atkinson Chiropractic or schedule an appointment online to learn more about alleviating your neck pain.