Neck pain—tightness and stiffness in the neck—is distracting at best. If you know what may cause it, you can resolve medical issues and obtain relief. Some underlying problems may warrant a visit to a chiropractor. Here’s what you need to know about this common condition. 

Why Do I Have Neck Pain? 

1. Injury 

The muscles in your neck can be strained from swimming, cramped sleeping posture, or repeatedly holding a phone between your neck and shoulder. It may also result from whiplash or another type of injury in an auto accident. Whiplash—a sharp blow from behind that causes the neck to snap forward—in particular, may cause headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and a lack of concentration. Along with ice for soreness, chiropractic care can ease the symptoms of whiplash and other neck sprains by realigning neck joints. 

2. Disease or Infection 

As you age, you may develop osteoarthritis, a condition that destroys the cartilage in the joints in your neck and spine, resulting in inflammation, discomfort, stiffness, and muscle spasms. A chiropractor will provide relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Other diseases and illnesses that cause neck pain include meningitis and influenza. If you have pain accompanied by severe headache, nausea, high fever, and light sensitivity, see your physician. 

3. Spinal Disorder 

The effects of spinal disorders may radiate to your neck. For example, if you develop a herniated, or ruptured, disk, pinched nerves cause intense pain in your spine, arms, and neck. Scoliosis—curvature of the spine—may cause neck pain as well.

For professional help with neck pain regardless of cause, visit Gateway Chiropractic Center in Crossville, TN. In business for more than thirty years, their staff provides attentive, detailed, and personalized evaluations and treatments to suit patients’ needs, including assistance from a licensed and experienced massage therapist. To schedule an appointment today, call their office at (931) 484-3135, or visit them online to learn more about how they’ll help you with your chiropractic conditions.