Answers to common questions about Neck Pain at Spinal Health Center in Vero Beach, FL. Care is provided by Dr. Brittney Hughes.
Related care: Neck Pain
Can chiropractic help neck pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care is a conservative treatment option for many types of mechanical neck pain. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and posture education to improve movement and reduce discomfort.
Why does my neck hurt when I wake up?
Morning neck pain can be caused by sleeping position, pillow support, muscle tension, arthritis, or joint dysfunction. During your examination, Dr. Hughes will evaluate potential contributing factors and provide recommendations that may include ergonomic changes and home exercises.
Can poor posture cause neck pain?
Absolutely. Spending long hours looking down at a phone, computer, or tablet can place increased stress on the muscles and joints of the neck. This is commonly referred to as "text neck." Improving posture and spinal mechanics is often an important part of treatment.
Can a pinched nerve cause neck pain?
Yes. A pinched or irritated nerve in the cervical spine can cause neck pain along with numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand. A thorough neurological examination helps determine whether nerve involvement is contributing to your symptoms.
Will I need an MRI?
Not everyone requires an MRI. Many causes of neck pain can be evaluated through a detailed history and physical examination. If your symptoms or examination findings suggest that advanced imaging is appropriate, Dr. Hughes will explain why and coordinate the appropriate referral.
Can chiropractic help headaches caused by neck problems?
Yes. Many headaches originate from dysfunction of the muscles and joints in the neck. These are known as cervicogenic headaches. If your examination indicates your headaches are related to neck dysfunction, chiropractic care may help improve spinal movement and reduce muscle tension.
How many visits will I need?
Treatment recommendations vary depending on the cause of your neck pain, how long you've had symptoms, the severity of your condition, and your response to care. After your examination, Dr. Hughes will explain her findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
When should I seek emergency medical care?
Seek immediate medical attention if your neck pain occurs after significant trauma, is accompanied by severe weakness, loss of coordination, difficulty walking, loss of bowel or bladder control, fever with severe neck stiffness, or sudden numbness affecting multiple areas of the body. These symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.