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The Different Types of Neck Pain & Their Common Causes

  • November 22, 2022

Most of us experience neck pain at some point in our lives. It can be caused by a number of things, including poor posture, muscle strain, or a pinched nerve. Depending on the cause, neck pain can be acute or chronic, and vary in intensity from mild to excruciating.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from neck pain, you know that it can be both frustrating and debilitating. Neck pain can have many different causes, so it is important to understand the different types and their common causes. This will help you to better manage your neck pain and improve your quality of life.

2 Main Type of Neck Pain in San Leandro

There are two main types of neck pain: Acute Neck Pain and Chronic Neck Pain. 

  1. Acute Neck Pain

Acute neck pain is the most common type of neck pain. It is usually caused by something minor, like poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or strained muscles from overuse. This type of neck pain is usually short-lived and resolved within a few days or weeks. However, if your pain persists for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness, it is important to see a Chiropractor doctor at Resilience Chiropractic in San Leandro as you may have a more serious condition.

  1. Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain is less common than acute neck pain but can be more debilitating. This type of neck pain is characterized by symptoms that last for more than three months and often get worse over time. Chronic neck pain can be caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or herniated discs. Treatment for chronic neck pain often requires a combination of medical interventions such as chiropractic care in San Leandro.Ā 

Common Causes of Neck Pain in San Leandro

There are many different things that can cause neck pain. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Muscle Strain

Muscle strains are often caused by repetitive motions or sudden movements that overload the muscles in the neck and shoulders. 

  • Neck Sprain / Strain

Neck strain is often caused by poor posture or repetitive motions such as typing at a computer keyboard or staring at a screen for long periods of time. This type of neck pain is typically characterized by muscle stiffness and soreness. Treatment for neck strain typically includes hot/cold therapy, gentle stretching exercises, and massage. 

  • Degenerative Diseases

Arthritis is the most common degenerative disease that affects the neck, but there are others as well. These diseases cause the vertebrae in the spine to deteriorate, which can lead to nerve compression and severe pain.

  • Herniated Discs

The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. A herniated disc occurs when a disc ruptures or leaks fluid into the spinal canal. This can cause nerve compression and lead to neck pain.

  • Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is placed on a nerve by bones, muscles, or tendons. This pressure can cause irritation and inflammation of the nerve, resulting in neck pain. 

  • Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the discs in the neck begin to deteriorate. This deterioration can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerves, causing neck pain.

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. This type of injury is often seen in car accidents and can lead to symptoms such as neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Treatment for whiplash typically includes a combination of rest, ice, heat, and physical therapy. 

How Chiropractic Care in San Leandro Helps with Neck Pain?

Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including neck pain. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in the body. 

Here’s a look at how chiropractic care can help relieve your neck pain.

  1. Chiropractic Adjustments

One of the main ways chiropractors help relieve neck pain is through chiropractic adjustments. Also known as spinal manipulation, chiropractic adjustments involve using your hands or a small instrument to apply pressure to the joints in your spine. This pressure helps align your spine and relieves tension in your muscles and ligaments.

In addition to providing relief from pain, chiropractic adjustments can also help improve your range of motion and increase your flexibility. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from stiffness or limited mobility due to your neck pain.

  1. Therapeutic Exercises

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, many chiropractors also recommend therapeutic exercises as part of their treatment plans. Therapeutic exercises are designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. These exercises can help improve your posture and decrease the strain on your spine. They can also help increase blood flow to the affected area, which can speed up healing.

  1. Soft Tissue Manual Therapy

Soft tissue manual therapy is a type of massage that focuses on the muscles and connective tissues. This type of therapy can help to loosen up tight muscles, increase flexibility, and improve range of motion. Additionally, soft tissue manual therapy can help to break up adhesions (knots) in the muscles, which can lead to improved function and decreased pain.

Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain in San Leandro

Neck pain is a very common problem that can have many different causes. However, there are also many different treatment options available depending on the underlying cause of your neck pain. Chiropractors at Resilience Chiropractic are trained to help alleviate neck pain caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, tension headaches, and a misaligned spine.Ā 
If you’re experiencing neck pain, it’s important to see Dr. Ernest Luong at Resilience Chiropractic in San Leandro, he can help you determine the cause and give you the appropriate treatment for your neck pain. Don’t wait until your neck pain gets worseā€”schedule an appointment at (510) 692-4543 today!

Picture of Ernest Luong

Ernest Luong

Dr. Ernest Luong is a Bay Area native and was raised in the city of Fremont, California. He graduated with honors from Life Chiropractic College West and is a board certified Doctor of Chiropractic. Having received extensive advanced clinical training, he is well adept to provide you and your family with the natural health care you deserve. Before opening his own clinic, he was already successfully treating many patients with headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, and many more issues at several other established chiropractic clinics in the area.

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