Neck Pain Relief NYC - Dr. Alicia Armitstead

If the cause of the neck pain is an illness rather than an injury, not treating the pain will also leave the condition untreated. Forgoing treatment could have serious health consequences. Addressing the problem quickly often makes it possible to correct it with more affordable, less painful, and less invasive methods.

-Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Chiropractic Cervicalgia Treatments at the Healing Arts NYC Health and Wellness Center in Manhattan NY 10017 and Connecticut

Neck pain, also called Cervicalgia, is any discomfort that affects the neck around the spine. The pain can occur in the vertebrae, muscles, nerves, or elsewhere. Stiffness that prevents people from moving the neck, or reduces the range of movement, may accompany the pain. Neck pain usually describes discomfort on the back or sides of the neck. Doctors will usually refer to pain in the front as throat pain. Treating a neck disorder may help relieve pain or pressure in the throat, but it may also be an unrelated problem.

Common Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck pain may build slowly and develop over several months or years. It can also begin suddenly. The pain level may worsen over time or seem to get better without any medical care and then return without warning. The pain can include a constant mild-to-moderate aching sensation or a shooting pain that travels up the back of the head or to the shoulders and arms. Some people may feel a burning or stabbing pain in these areas. Headaches often accompany neck pain. Tingling sensations and numbness in the arms and hands could also begin from neck injuries.

How Do Chiropractic Neck Pain Treatments Work?

Diagnosing the cause of the pain must happen before any treatment. Neck pain is not always related to joint misalignment, muscle strain, or injury. Illnesses that require other treatment in addition to or in place of chiropractic services could exist. Dr. Alicia Armitstead must review the patient's medical history and complete an examination to determine the cause of the pain.

Pain treatment may include spinal manipulation either by hand or instrument-assisted. The doctor will also consider trigger point therapy, hot and cold therapy, massage, and many other treatment methods to provide the patient with the most effective solution to alleviate pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Following the first set of corrective treatments, Dr. Armistead will also discuss maintenance options to reduce the risk of recurrence. Some people may need maintenance visits to keep the neck aligned. Other patients may benefit from lifestyle changes. Adapting the angle of a computer screen, investing in better pillows, and undergoing physical therapy to improve posture often help many patients.

Some people also experience improvement through nutritional supplementation and adding an exercise regimen to their daily routine. Since stress often contributes to neck pain, the doctor can help patients find the most effective stress management routine to address their needs.

What Can Happen if Neck Pain Goes Untreated?

Not receiving treatment for neck pain could allow the condition to get worse. Chronic inflammation will continue and could worsen and cause additional problems like a pinched nerve. The pain may worsen and cause lost work time and reduced enjoyment of life. A stiff, sore neck will make sleep difficult, and people can develop sleep disorders and experience higher health risks because of the lack of sleep.

Neck pain also causes headaches that will continue if no one addresses the cause of the pain. The severity of the headaches could increase over time. If the cause of the neck pain is an illness rather than an injury, not treating the pain will also leave the condition untreated. Forgoing treatment could have serious health consequences. Addressing the problem quickly often makes it possible to correct it with more affordable, less painful, and less invasive methods.

Additional References

• Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain - Health Central
• Neck Pain - American Chiropractic Association