Neck pain can result from tight muscles or restricted movements in joints; overuse injuries that occur after prolonged sitting or improper posture; or injuries and accidents that may be sport, work, or even motor vehicle related.
When muscles in the neck are tight or injured they may cause pain at the site of muscle or tendon attachment. It is also possible for muscles to refer pain to other parts of the body away from the neck. For example the muscles at the base of your skull can refer pain to your temples. Joints are very similar to muscles in that they can refer pain away from the site of injury. Injury at the joint, like a tight or injured muscle, can result in restricted movement. Neck pain can also affect the nerves in your neck which can produce symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your arms and hands.
When receiving treatment for tight or injured muscles and joints, your chiropractor may give you strengthening exercises in addition to stretching exercises. This is especially important in overuse injuries as the goal is to not only reduce pain, improve range of movement, but also to decrease the frequency of occurrence.
Not sure what to expect at Haptic Health and Chiropractic? We offer free 15 minute consultations to answer these questions. Dr. Judith McCann is a chiropractor in Sharon trained to assess neck pain, headaches, neck tightness, and associated numbness and tingling in your hands, as well as provide appropriate treatment or referral as needed.