If at some point you have experienced a sharp, shooting pain in your neck when you turn your head to spot check your car, this is a problem. 

It’s more problematic when you start avoiding doing these safety checks because the pain is just too severe. Before you have an accident, here’s what you need to know.

When being evaluated for neck pain, one of the first things every doctor checks is a range of motion or how far you can rotate your head from left to right. A good range of motion is considered being able to turn your head so your chin is in line with your shoulder without shrugging shoulders. Having anything less than a full range is an indicator that there is a problem with the muscles, bones, or nerves in your neck. 

If there is neck pain while driving, many might think the problem is exclusively in that area which is not true! Sometimes problems in other areas of your body are manifested as neck pain. The commute may be when neck pain is experienced but the cause is likely rooted in the way you sit, work, stand, or walk. Everything from posture to weak abdominal muscles can contribute to the symptoms. 

Thinking neck pain can be due to stress or needing a massage, the reality is that it comes down to alignment. When this happens to the spine, nerves become cramped sending distress signals to your brain in the form of pain, tingling, etc. Over time, if bones are not aligned, the muscles begin to compensate for weakness or pain creating even bigger problems than before. If the alignment if fixed, the nerve and muscular problems will be fixed. 

Chiropractic care is the best way to realign your spine and restore the neck’s range of motion. By carefully realigning these bones as well as the rest of the spine, the range of motion will increase and pain will be relieved. 

If you are experiencing neck pain, please call Augustine Chiropractic Wesley Chapel at 813-994-6008 to make an appointment. 

Dr. Brian Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and other ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regimens to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services!