Neck pain is an extremely common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. With the rise of sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and extended screen time, neck pain has become a frequent complaint in modern life. But why is the neck so vulnerable? The neck, or cervical spine, is an important structure that supports the weight of your head (which averages 10-12 pounds), provides mobility, and protects the delicate spinal cord and nerves that control vital functions of muscles, organs and cells throughout the body. Its complex anatomy includes muscles, ligaments, joints, and discs that work together to maintain stability and motion, making it highly susceptible to strain, injury, and dysfunction – which leads to neck pain.
Neck pain can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, joint misalignment, or disc problems such as herniation or degeneration. While neck pain is the most obvious symptom, cervical subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae) can have other effects beyond discomfort. These misalignments can compress or irritate nerves, leading to headaches, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the arms and hands, reduced mobility, and even difficulty focusing. If this is left untreated, cervical misalignments/subluxations can contribute to chronic pain and long-term spinal degeneration.
Conventional medical treatment for neck pain often focuses on symptom management through medications, muscle relaxants, or in severe cases, surgery. While these approaches may provide temporary relief, they rarely address the root cause of the problem. Chiropractic care offers a more effective solution by identifying and correcting the underlying structural issues. Through precise spinal adjustments, Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) focuses on restoring proper alignment, reducing nerve interference, and improving overall function- this ultimately improves neck pain long term. Unlike conventional treatments, chiropractic care promotes long-term healing and prevents future problems by addressing the source of the pain, not just the symptoms. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we’re committed to helping you achieve lasting relief and optimal health through safe, natural, and evidence-based care.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes:
- Consultation
- Thorough Health History
- Chiropractic Exam
- Postural Analysis
- X-rays if indicated
- Report of Findings
How Our Neck Pain Care Plan Works
1. Corrective
This initial stage focuses on addressing specific spinal misalignments and dysfunctions. Through targeted adjustments and specialized techniques, the goal is to restore proper alignment and function to the spine. This phase often involves intensive care to correct existing issues and alleviate pain.
2. Stabilization
The stabilization stage aims to reinforce the changes made. This involves strengthening surrounding muscles, improving posture, and ensuring that the spine maintains its proper alignment over time. Patients typically engage in exercises and receive ongoing adjustments to support long-term stability.
3. Wellness
The final stage emphasizes maintaining optimal spinal health and overall well-being. Wellness care involves regular check-ups and adjustments to prevent future issues and support a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach helps patients maintain their progress, enhance quality of life, and promote overall health and wellness.
How We Treat Neck Pain in Fargo, ND
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we believe in treating neck pain by addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms. This starts with a comprehensive consultation to fully understand your condition and develop an effective, personalized care plan. Neck pain is often linked to poor posture, spinal misalignments, or structural issues that go beyond surface-level discomfort, making it essential to identify and correct these underlying problems.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
Thorough Health History:
We take the time to understand your medical history, injuries, lifestyle, and daily habits that may be contributing to your neck pain. Whether it’s prolonged screen time, past injuries, or chronic stress, identifying these factors is key to creating a tailored treatment plan.
Postural Analysis:
Using advanced tools and techniques, we assess your posture to identify imbalances or misalignments. Poor posture, such as forward head posture or slouched shoulders, is a common cause of neck pain and strain on the cervical spine.
Physical and Chiropractic Exam:
A detailed examination of your range of motion, muscle tension, and spinal alignment helps us pinpoint areas of dysfunction.
Digital X-Rays (if indicated):
X-rays provide a clear, detailed look at your cervical spine’s structure. We use state-of-the-art imaging and advanced marking technology to measure spinal alignment and identify issues like misalignments, disc degeneration, or other structural abnormalities. This data is critical in creating an effective care plan, especially using Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) methods. This helps us determine what exactly is causing your neck pain and if it is a true structural problem.
Why a Comprehensive Consultation Matters
Neck pain is often more complex than it appears. Without a thorough evaluation, it’s easy to miss the underlying issues causing your pain. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we address the root cause—whether it’s poor posture, nerve irritation, or structural misalignments—so that you can achieve long-term relief and improved spinal health.
By combining advanced diagnostics with personalized care, we provide safe, effective, and lasting solutions to neck pain. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we’re committed to helping you feel and function your best by restoring balance, alignment, and overall health.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays are a critical tool for diagnosing and treating neck pain, especially when using the Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) method. They provide an in-depth view of the cervical spine’s structure, allowing us to identify the root cause of your pain and create an accurate, effective treatment plan.
What Can We See with X-Rays?
Digital X-rays offer detailed insights into:
- Cervical Curve (or Lack Thereof): A healthy neck has a natural C-shaped curve, which is essential for proper spinal function and weight distribution. A flattened or reversed curve can lead to increased strain, disc degeneration, and nerve irritation.
- Misalignments: Even small shifts in vertebrae can compress nerves and cause neck pain, headaches, or radiating symptoms.
- Disc Health: X-rays can reveal signs of degeneration, thinning, or disc space narrowing, which often contribute to chronic pain.
- Structural Abnormalities: X-rays can detect scoliosis, past injuries, or bone spurs that might be influencing your symptoms.
- Arthritis or Degenerative Changes: Early detection of wear-and-tear conditions allows us to address them before they worsen.
Are X-Rays Dangerous?
Digital X-rays are safe and use significantly lower levels of radiation compared to traditional imaging. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we prioritize your safety and only recommend X-rays when necessary to fully understand your condition. The benefits of identifying and treating the root cause of your pain far outweigh the minimal radiation exposure.
How X-Rays Help Create an Effective Treatment Plan
From a structural and Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) standpoint, precise measurements are essential to restoring proper alignment. X-rays provide:
- Accurate Diagnosis: We can identify the exact misalignments or structural issues causing your neck pain.
- Customized Care Plans: X-rays allow us to develop a tailored treatment plan, including adjustments, traction, and exercises to correct your cervical alignment.
- Progress Tracking: Follow-up X-rays help us measure your progress and make adjustments to your care as needed.
By addressing your neck pain with the help of digital X-rays, we ensure that every aspect of your treatment is based on precise data and targeted at achieving long-term relief and improved function. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we use this advanced technology to provide you with the highest standard of care, restoring not only your neck but your overall spinal health.
Specific Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain in Fargo, ND
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we use a combination of advanced chiropractic techniques and personalized care to effectively address neck pain. By focusing on the root cause, we go beyond temporary relief to restore proper alignment, function, and overall health. Here’s how we approach neck pain:
1. Chiropractic Adjustments
Spinal adjustments are at the core of chiropractic care for neck pain. Precise, gentle adjustments:
- Restore Alignment: Correct misalignments in the cervical spine that put pressure on nerves and muscles.
- Relieve Tension: Reduce muscle tightness and improve mobility in the neck.
- Improve Nerve Function: Remove interference to the nervous system, which helps alleviate pain and improve overall health.
Adjustments provide immediate relief while setting the stage for long-term improvement.
2. Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)
CBP is a research-based technique designed to correct the spine’s structure and restore the natural C-shaped curve of the neck. This is crucial because a loss of cervical curve can lead to chronic pain, muscle strain, and disc degeneration. CBP care includes:
- Spinal Traction: Gentle, targeted traction to reshape and restore the proper curve in your neck.
- Postural Correction: Addressing forward head posture and other imbalances to reduce strain on your cervical spine.
- Data-Driven Care: Using X-rays and precise measurements, we create a tailored care plan to correct your alignment and improve long-term function.
3. Therapeutic Exercises
Exercise is a vital part of chiropractic care for neck pain. Targeted movements and stretches help:
- Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Build the stability needed to support your neck and maintain proper alignment.
- Improve Flexibility: Increase range of motion and reduce stiffness.
- Prevent Recurrence: Promote better posture and reduce the risk of future neck pain.
Exercises are customized to your specific needs and integrated into your treatment plan to complement adjustments and CBP care.
Why Our Approach Works
Our combination of adjustments, CBP techniques, and therapeutic exercises ensures that we address both the immediate pain and the underlying causes of your neck issues. By restoring your spine’s natural alignment and strengthening the muscles that support it, we provide long-lasting relief and improve your overall quality of life. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we’re committed to helping you feel and function your best.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Neck Pain in Fargo, ND
Bulged Disc
Causes:
- Poor posture, repetitive strain, or minor trauma that weakens the outer layer of a disc, causing it to bulge outward.
- Degenerative changes from aging or improper spinal alignment.
Symptoms:
- Localized neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes radiating pain or numbness in the shoulders or arms.
- Increased discomfort with certain movements or prolonged sitting.
How Chiropractic Helps:
- Spinal adjustments to realign the cervical spine and reduce disc pressure.
- Spinal decompression therapy to gently retract the bulge and improve disc health.
- Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) techniques to restore the natural cervical curve, reducing stress on the discs.
Herniated Disc
Causes:
- Trauma, repetitive strain, or advanced disc degeneration causing the inner gel-like nucleus to push through the outer disc layer.
- Heavy lifting or sudden twisting motions.
Symptoms: - Sharp, radiating pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms (cervical radiculopathy).
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.
How Chiropractic Helps:
- Gentle adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve compression.
- Spinal decompression therapy to relieve pressure on the herniated disc.
- Exercises to strengthen neck-supporting muscles and improve stability.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Causes:
- Age-related wear and tear that causes discs to lose hydration and elasticity, leading to thinning and reduced cushioning between vertebrae.
- Poor posture and chronic spinal misalignments.
Symptoms:
- Chronic neck pain and stiffness, often worse with movement.
- Possible nerve irritation leading to radiating pain in the shoulders or arms.
How Chiropractic Helps:
- CBP techniques to restore proper alignment and reduce stress on degenerated discs.
- Spinal adjustments to improve mobility and reduce inflammation.
- Nutritional advice to promote joint and disc health.
Muscle Strain
Causes:
- Overuse, sudden movements, or poor posture.
- Sleeping in an awkward position or carrying heavy bags on one side.
Symptoms:
- Localized neck pain, stiffness, and muscle tightness.
- Difficulty turning or moving the neck.
How Chiropractic Helps:
- Adjustments to relieve tension caused by compensatory spinal misalignments.
- Soft tissue therapies to relax tight muscles.
- Postural exercises to prevent future strain.
Tech Neck
Causes:
- Prolonged forward head posture from using phones, tablets, or computers.
- Increased strain on the cervical spine due to poor ergonomics.
Symptoms:
- Neck pain, stiffness, and muscle tension.
- Headaches and fatigue in the shoulders and upper back.
How Chiropractic Helps:
- CBP adjustments to correct forward head posture.
- Ergonomic advice and exercises to improve posture and strengthen neck-supporting muscles.
Subluxation
Causes:
- Spinal misalignments from poor posture, injuries, or repetitive strain.
- Stress or sudden trauma disrupting the normal position of vertebrae.
Symptoms:
- Pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Nerve irritation, potentially causing radiating symptoms or headaches.
How Chiropractic Helps:
- Precise spinal adjustments to correct misalignments and restore proper nerve flow.
- CBP care to address underlying structural issues.
- Exercises to maintain alignment and improve overall spinal health.
Whiplash
Causes:
- Sudden forceful movements, such as those experienced in car accidents, sports injuries, or falls.
- Rapid forward and backward motion of the head, causing soft tissue damage and spinal misalignment.
Symptoms:
- Neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or shoulders.
How Chiropractic Helps:
- Gentle adjustments to restore proper alignment and improve mobility.
- Soft tissue therapies to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- CBP techniques to address cervical curve issues and prevent long-term complications.
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we provide customized care plans tailored to the specific cause of your neck pain. By addressing the root cause with chiropractic adjustments, CBP methods, and supportive therapies, we help you achieve lasting relief and a healthier, more functional spine.
Check Out Our Location Near You
3260 Veterans Blvd Suite 105, Fargo, ND 58104
Frequently asked questions?
Is a chiropractor in Fargo, ND good for neck pain?
Yes, a chiropractor is an excellent choice for treating neck pain. Chiropractors specialize in addressing the root causes of neck pain, whether it’s due to spinal misalignments, muscle tension, disc issues, or poor posture. Through precise adjustments, they can restore proper alignment to the cervical spine, relieve pressure on nerves, and reduce muscle tension. Unlike medications, which only mask symptoms, chiropractic care focuses on correcting the underlying problem to provide long-term relief. Additionally, techniques like Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), posture correction, and therapeutic exercises help improve neck stability and prevent future pain. If you’re dealing with neck pain, chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and drug-free solution.
Is it okay to “pop” my own neck?
No, it is not recommended to “pop” your own neck. While it may provide temporary relief, you are often moving joints that don’t need to be adjusted, which can lead to hypermobility. This means that the joints become too loose and unstable, potentially causing additional strain on surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other joints. Without addressing the underlying issue, self-adjusting can create long-term problems and even make your neck pain worse. Chiropractic care ensures that adjustments are performed safely and precisely, targeting the areas that truly need attention to restore proper alignment and function.
How should I sleep with neck pain?
Sleeping in the right position is essential for alleviating neck pain and supporting the healing process. The best positions are on your back or side. When sleeping on your back, use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck without pushing your head forward. A cervical pillow or a rolled towel under your neck can provide added support, and placing a small pillow under your knees helps reduce strain on your spine. If you prefer sleeping on your side, use a pillow that keeps your head aligned with your spine and consider placing a pillow between your knees to maintain a neutral position for your hips and spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this forces your neck into an unnatural position and strains the cervical spine. If stomach sleeping is unavoidable, use a flat pillow or none at all to minimize strain. A medium-firm mattress is also ideal for proper spinal alignment. Be gentle when getting in and out of bed by rolling onto your side, pushing up with your arms, and swinging your legs over the edge to avoid twisting your neck. These adjustments can help reduce neck pain and promote better sleep quality. If pain persists, consulting a chiropractor for personalized care is recommended.
Please visit our Chiropractor in Fargo, North Dakota (ND), or give us a call to get treatment. Our experienced and knowledgeable chiropractor on matters of neck pain will access, treat and develop a plan to bring back function and quality of life.
References
https://healthmaxphysio.com/5-common-chiropractic-techniques-back-and-neck-pain/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21179-neck-pain#:~:text=Neck%20pain%20can%20last%20from,tumors%20and%20other%20health%20conditions.
https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/neck-pain/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2786244/
At Peak Spine + Wellness we believe in empowering our patients to reach their peak potential! We offer chiropractic treatment for lower back pain. Additionally, we offer wellness plans for those looking to reach peak potential while continuing to remain healthy once their problem is corrected. Get started with us today!
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