Neck Pain Relief in Medford
Turning your head, driving, sitting at a desk, playing your favorite sport or exercise, even sleeping can all become a chore when your neck is stiff or aching. Whether the discomfort came on gradually or started after an injury, understanding what may be contributing to it is an important first step.
At Main Street Chiropractic, Dr. Wartenberg takes a hands-on approach to evaluating the spine and neck. The goal is to understand what’s happening before deciding what type of care may be appropriate.
What Tends to Cause Neck Pain?
Hours at a computer or hunched over a phone can place ongoing stress on the muscles and joints of the neck. Poor posture, long stretches of sitting, and repetitive movements may add to that stress over time.
Restricted movement in the joints of the neck or upper back can also be a factor. Muscle tension may develop as the body compensates, sometimes creating a cycle of stiffness and discomfort that is difficult to break on your own.
Past injuries, falls, sports activities, or other physical trauma can play a role too. Some people notice symptoms right away, while others develop discomfort gradually. Because the underlying factors aren’t always obvious, an individual evaluation can help provide a clearer picture.
Signs Your Neck Pain Needs a Closer Look
Neck problems don’t feel the same for everyone. Depending on what’s contributing, you may notice:
- Aching or stiffness that limits how far you can turn your head
- Muscle tightness that doesn’t fully release
- Reduced range of motion
- Discomfort extending into the shoulders or upper back
- Pain that changes with certain movements or positions
- Neck pain that keeps coming back
- Headaches occurring along with neck discomfort
When headaches regularly show up with neck pain, understanding the connection between the two can be helpful.
Everyday Habits Can Make It Worse
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Chiropractic care focuses on the movement and alignment of the spine. When joints in the neck or upper back aren’t moving properly, addressing areas of restriction may help improve mobility and reduce stress on the surrounding muscles and joints.
Dr. Wartenberg uses the Gonstead System of Chiropractic, a hands-on method built around a detailed spinal examination. Rather than focusing only on the area that hurts, he looks at the spine as a whole to identify areas that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Not every case of neck pain calls for chiropractic care. Your examination helps determine whether it may be a reasonable option for your individual situation.
Your Evaluation Starts With Your Story
There’s more to evaluating neck pain than asking where it hurts. Dr. Wartenberg will want to know when your symptoms started, which activities or movements affect them, whether you’ve had previous injuries, and, most importantly, how the discomfort is interfering with everyday life.
He then examines the movement and condition of your spine and neck using the Gonstead approach. Those findings help identify areas that may need attention and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
If you haven’t been to the practice before, you can see what to expect as a new patient before your first appointment.
A Long-Standing Focus on Gonstead Chiropractic
He has also helped teach the approach to others. His professional background includes postgraduate faculty work and instruction at chiropractic colleges in the United States and England, as well as international lectures on Gonstead technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?
What causes chronic neck pain?
When should I see a medical doctor about neck pain?
Move Your Neck With Greater Ease
If turning your head, driving, sleeping, or getting through your workday has become a daily negotiation with your neck, it may be time to find out what’s causing your pain.
Contact Main Street Chiropractic to schedule your evaluation. We’ll let you know your neck and spine are functioning and help determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
