Neck pain is a common condition that can result from a variety of issues, including poor posture, strain at work, sleeping positions, previous injuries, or trauma from a car accident. Motor vehicle collisions can place sudden stress on the neck and upper spine, sometimes resulting in whiplash, stiffness, soreness, headaches, and reduced range of motion.
Symptoms following a car accident may develop immediately or become noticeable in the hours or days after the collision. If you are experiencing neck pain, soreness, tightness, or limited mobility following an accident, an evaluation can help identify areas of discomfort and determine an appropriate course of care.
If you are suffering from neck pain, we encourage you to come in for a complimentary consultation at our office in Valrico. We specialize in upper cervical chiropractic care and develop individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s condition and needs.
When Should You See A Chiropractor For Neck Pain?
If you have tried at-home options without significant improvement, or your neck pain developed following a car accident or other injury, it may be time to have your condition evaluated. Consider seeing a chiropractor for your neck pain if:
- It doesn’t go away after a couple of days.
- You can’t look in one direction or the other without intense pain.
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You’re starting to experience numbness or tingling in the hands.
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You need over-the-counter medication to make it through the day.
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Your pain is at its worst first thing in the morning.
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You developed neck pain, stiffness, or headaches following a car accident.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Some of the most common causes of neck pain include:
- Poor posture
- Bad sleeping positions
- Work strain
- Car accidents and other trauma
- Pinched nerve
- Whiplash
When you visit our office, our doctors will assess your neck and take your personal medical history. If your symptoms began after a car accident, we will also discuss the circumstances of the collision and the symptoms you have experienced since the accident. From there, our doctors will evaluate your condition and develop a personalized approach to addressing your pain, stiffness, and mobility concerns.
Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents. The rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck during a collision can affect muscles, ligaments, joints, and other structures in and around the cervical spine. Chiropractic care may be incorporated into a treatment plan to help address pain, stiffness, restricted movement, and other musculoskeletal symptoms associated with an accident.
When You May Need To See Another Type Of Medical Professional
Though we pride ourselves on our ability to help our patients, there are some cases when chiropractic care is not the best course of action. When you come in for your consultation, be forthcoming about all of your symptoms. This is especially important following a car accident, as certain symptoms may indicate an injury that requires immediate medical evaluation.
Examples of neck pain that may require specialized or emergency care:
Neck pain along with pain, weakness, or numbness that extends to the shoulder, arm, or leg may indicate a more serious injury. If these symptoms occur following a car accident or other trauma, or if the discomfort is severe, seek prompt medical attention.
Neck pain along with fever, headache, vomiting, or light sensitivity can be associated with serious medical conditions. If you’re experiencing these symptoms with neck pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.
If you are experiencing neck pain following a car accident or have been dealing with persistent neck discomfort, consider visiting us at Current Chiropractic. Our complimentary consultation can help you better understand your condition and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.