Upper cervical pain happens when the vertebrae in the neck and upper back become misaligned through trauma, repetitive strain, or degenerative diseases such as arthritis or a herniated disc. The pain from any of these conditions can make it hard for you to turn your neck, give you headaches, and sometimes cause weakness in your arms and hands.
At the East Detroit Chiropractic Center, our chiropractors can help you find relief from upper cervical pain and return you to your normal range of movement.
What Is Upper Cervical Pain?
The first seven vertebrae found in the neck and upper back form the section of the spine known as the cervical spine. Pain in this area of the neck and back typically indicates compression of the vertebrae or straining of the muscles and ligaments as well as the vertebrae. Some of the signs of upper cervical pain include:
- headache
- tingling in the spine, shoulder, arm, or hands
- tight or stiff neck muscles
- tenderness
- pain in the base of the neck near the skull
- muscle spasms
- pain in the upper back, neck, or jaw
Common Causes of Upper Cervical Pain
The flexibility of the neck, along with the weight of the head, makes it susceptible to injury and degenerative issues that result in chronic pain. There are a number of ways to injure your upper cervical spine.
One of the most common causes is strain or overuse from spending too many hours hunched over a computer keyboard or laptop. Being rear-ended in an auto accident can result in whiplash that throws your head forward, then back in a rapid motion. Poor posture also strains the cervical spine and pulls the upper back out of alignment.
How a Chiropractor Can Help with Upper Cervical Pain
Many of the issues that cause upper cervical pain respond well to chiropractic treatment. Compression, bulging discs, and strain put the vertebrae out of alignment, but a chiropractor can use manual techniques that help put the vertebrae back into position. Repositioning the vertebrae helps take the pressure off surrounding tissues and structures and results in long-term pain relief. In some cases, you may need to correct the conditions that led to the pain in the first place, and the chiropractor can help you with ergonomic positions and exercises.
Call Us for an Appointment Today at East Detroit Chiropractic Center
Get in touch with us at our clinic in Clinton Twp, MI, for an appointment with one of our chiropractors about upper cervical pain. Our chiropractors will examine you to determine the cause of your upper cervical pain, then propose and explain a course of treatment that helps resolve the issues causing the pain. Call East Detroit Chiropractic Center today at (586) 477-1800.
