What is Stiff Neck?
Just as the name of the condition implies, 'stiff neck' occurs when the muscles in the neck are stiff. This stiffness can limit neck mobility and may become painful.
Stiff neck is often due to stress or tension, but it can also be a result of over-exertion, injuries, impacts, repetitive neck movements, poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or a sedentary lifestyle. Stiff neck is occasionally a sign of a more serious condition such as arthritis, meningitis, or whiplash.
Stiff neck is generally treated with heat, pain medication, or physical therapy. Research also shows that upper cervical spine adjustments may help treat the underlying cause of the problem.
Signs and Symptoms of Stiff Neck
Stiffness in the neck is how stiff neck got its name. Generally, the muscles are stiff or tense and may impair one's ability to move the neck or turn the head from side to side. Neck problems may spread into the shoulders, upper back, or head. A stiff neck may also lead to pain, muscle spasms, or headaches.
If untreated, a stiff neck can cause more serious health issues, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Stiff Neck
From the base of the skull and down through the neck, you'll find the top seven vertebrae that make up the upper cervical spine. This part of the spine is responsible for carrying the weight of the entire head, as well as the ability to move the head and neck. This part of the spine is also vulnerable, and prone to injury through jolts, trauma, or poor posture.
When the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are even slightly out of alignment, it causes you to shift your body's posture unconsciously to compensate for the misalignment so that you can continue to hold your head up straight. Unfortunately, this shift in posture also puts excessive pressure on many different joints, muscles, and ligatures. This causes muscles to stretch and strain, making them tense and stiff. This can not only lead to pain but irreparable joint or nerve damage.
How Our Stiff Neck Treatment Works
While aches and pains that come with a stiff neck can be managed, the best course of treatment generally means getting to the root of the problem and correcting it. If you want to alleviate the discomfort and reduce the risks caused by a stiff neck, consider having your upper cervical spine treated.
Our Dr. Bejian Shamloo is an upper cervical specialist. Treatment begins with an assessment of the problem using revolutionary medical technology. Traditionally, chiropractors used 2-D black-and-white X-rays to examine the spine, which gives a poor picture and results in hit-or-miss treatments. Dr. Shamloo takes full advantage of modern technology, using advanced 3D imaging and infrared thermography to examine and calculate misalignments of the spine. This allows the doctor to make more precise adjustments with gentler techniques that hold longer.
Once the upper cervical spine is properly aligned, there should be a noticeable improvement. That's just the beginning, however. When proper alignment is restored, the body's healing processes are activated and continue to repair damage and improve one's health and posture.
Stiff neck pain can be, literally, a pain in the neck, but many people, unfortunately, ignore it, thinking it's a normal part of aging or strenuous activity. You don't have to put up with it when there are natural, drug-free, non-invasive treatment options. Call Dr. Shamloo for a consultation. Dr. Shamloo provides upper cervical chiropractic treatment for patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.