The cervical spine starts at the base of the skull and has seven vertebrae. It supports the head’s total weight, which is usually 11 or 12 pounds. Unfortunately, the flexibility of the cervical spine makes it susceptible to injury. Here are a few reasons why people visit a neck pain chiropractor in Poway, CA, and the type of treatment offered.
Whiplash causes neck pain. It typically happens when a person is in a car accident and the sudden movement of the head or neck in any direction causes injury. Severe whiplash can injure the vertebrae’s muscles, nerve roots, ligaments, discs, and joints.
As a person gets older, they may experience spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease that affects the upper spine. Osteoarthritis leads to a deterioration of the cartilage. Bone spurs are formed that affect motion.
Lifestyle factors can cause a person to visit a neck pain chiropractor in Poway, CA. Weak abdominal muscles, being overweight and having poor posture can disrupt spinal balance and cause stiffness and pain in the neck. Lousy posture can even extend symptoms to the arms and hands.
When a person visits a chiropractor because of neck pain, the chiropractor will want to locate the source of the pain and ask questions about symptoms. After neurological and physical exams, neck adjustments may be performed.
Cervical manipulation can restore a proper range of motion by increasing the movement of muscles and joints attached to the spine. A chiropractor may also develop a program of care based on an individuals personal needs.
