Every chiropractor for neck pain in Escondido, California is doing good work for patients. The problem is a real pain in the neck. Most people don’t know how their neck pain begins.
Neck pain is a common occurrence because the neck has many movable parts. The cervical spine and the neck have seven vertebrae. These components require a considerable amount of flexibility and strength to function at their best. The top two vertebrae, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), are responsible for supporting the head’s weight, allowing its free movement, and protecting the brainstem within.
The neck’s design is partly the reason why it is vulnerable to pain and injury. Sudden or awkward head movements, an accidental slip, and fall, or a head and neck trauma can all contribute to normal wear and tear, which leads to neck pain.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
#1 Spinal Stenosis
Stenosis happens when the canal where the spinal cord passes through becomes narrow and compresses the nerves. Sometimes, this marks the beginning of degenerative disc disease, bone spurs formation, and joints. Another cause of the narrowing of the spinal canal is due to a spinal misalignment.
#2 Disc Degeneration
In-between each vertebra, there are discs set within the spine that provide cushion and protection for any movement. These discs do the crucial job of absorbing excess force and pressure that our body experiences during each daily activity. If improper actions continually repeat over time, and you regularly lack proper nutrients, these discs will start to wear out. Furthermore, the center of the disc (the nucleus pulposis) will begin pushing through the outer fibrous rings. When this happens, it can lead to excruciating pain as it irritates your nerve root.
#3 Osteoarthritis
The spine’s various joints can degrade over time, known as the normal wear and tear. The cartilage that regularly protects and prevents bones from rubbing into each other becomes thin. It wears down gradually over time. As a result, this causes various symptoms that cause pain.
#4 Accidents or Injuries
Neck or head trauma and injury can happen for various reasons. Head trauma of any type can damage the soft tissues and bones of the neck. To encourage the most therapeutic healing and recovery, corrective treatment, or upper cervical realignment is crucial. It is to ensure no further damage or complications appear in the future. Get proper care when you experience a head or neck trauma or injury.
Many types of accidents may cause considerable head or neck trauma and injury, such as:
- Whiplash
- Slip and fall
- Sporting injury
- Fender bender
- Concussion
Most of these things are unavoidable. The good news is there is a well-known natural, safe, and precise method for dealing with neck pain. It is something that a chiropractor for neck pain in Escondido knows.
#5.Spinal misalignments
Subluxation or spinal misalignment often results from injury or normal wear and tear. If the vertebrae of your spine shift out of position, it can irritate the surrounding tissues, leading to muscle spasms and pain.
Help Through Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
The upper cervical chiropractic method is different from other practices. It focuses on the region of the neck just beneath the skull. There are two topmost vertebrae here. These bones are called the atlas (C1), which supports the weight of the head, and the axis (C2), which allows the head its wide range of motion. Thes atlas and axis vertebrae are unique in shapes as well as their functions. However, this unique and special quality allows the neck more flexibility and a wide range of movement. These qualities of high flexibility and mobility make the neck more vulnerable to injury, trauma, or misalignment than the rest of the spine.
An upper cervical chiropractor for neck pain in Escondido has a scientific, systematic, and in-depth approach to detect the cause of your neck pain. It would involve a historical record that tells when and where the pain first started and the use of state-of-the-art scanners for precision and detection. Then, this also means learning about what measures are best to take to get relief.
What Occurs During an Upper Cervical Misalignment?
During an atlas misalignment, the head shifts out of its neutral position. This misalignment causes unusual amounts of stress and pressure on the soft tissues of the neck. Furthermore, this creates a domino effect, causing the tendons, ligaments, and muscles to compensate for this spinal misalignment. As a consequence, this can result in other joints in the neck to move improperly or lock up, which can lead to neck pain, and possibly even more issues.
The atlas and the axis of the upper neck area have the essential job of shielding and protecting the brainstem. Meanwhile, the brainstem is the control center of many of the body’s life-sustaining functions. These functions and responsibilities are an integral element of the central nervous system (CNS). An upper cervical misalignment causes pressure and stress on the brainstem, distorting the standard brain-body signals transmitting through the CNS.
As a result of the misalignment, the brainstem starts sending wrong messages to the brain. Thus, many health conditions could begin as a result. Misalignment can cause:
- Neck pain
- Migraines
- Headaches
- TMJ dysfunction
- Vertigo
A Natural Neck Pain Solution – Upper Cervical Care
An upper cervical chiropractor for neck pain in Escondido can locate the root cause of the problem. Here at Rickards Precision Chiropractic & Wellness, located in Escondido, California, we can discuss your health history and your current condition. We will utilize specific and accurate diagnostic exams, including x-rays, to identify the underlying cause of your problems. Consult with us to enjoy long-lasting neck pain relief soon.
Upper cervical chiropractic adjustments are exact and gentle. Thus, it promotes the most effective level of healing to happen. Measurements will be taken before and after the corrections to ensure that the spinal correction is accurate. Checking the spine afterward brings assurance to the patient and us. Thus, we can both feel confident that the process of healing and long-term relief has already started.
Consultation call to action:
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rickards, call our Escondido office at (760) 745-1511. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.