The upper cervical spine runs from the back of the skull to the top of your shoulders. At Circle Chiropractic Center in Fairfax, VA, we have treated upper cervical pain for many years. Read on to learn more about what causes upper cervical pain and how we treat it.
Causes of Upper Cervical Pain
Upper cervical pain has many causes, but most likely, it's caused by an injury or dysfunction in the neck and upper spine. Common causes of cervical pain our chiropractor can identify include:
- Bone spurs
- Osteoarthritis
- Nerve Impingement
- Muscle Imbalance
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerve
- Spinal Stenosis
- Poor posture
If you experience frequent cervical pain, avoid hunching over your computing device for long as it exacerbates the condition.
Symptoms of Upper Cervical Pain
Symptoms of upper cervical pain vary widely. They range from mild discomfort to severe pain that prevents them from moving the neck normally. Contact a cervical pain chiropractor if you experience:
- Pain in the neck area
- Swelling of the tissues around the affected area
- Tenderness in the affected area
- Muscle spasms
- Dizziness
- Frequent headaches
How We Diagnose Upper Cervical Pain at Circle Chiropractic Center
We diagnose cervical pain by checking your medical history and signs of trauma or injury. The cervical pain chiropractor then conducts imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to determine the condition of your nerves, spinal cord, discs, and soft tissues. You may also undergo a neurological examination to help check your muscle tone and reflexes. We then combine findings from physical examinations with your imaging tests to find the right cervical treatment.
Treatment Options for Upper Cervical Pain
- Manipulation –Manually adjusting the spine to align the nervous system and relieve pain.
- Cervical Exercises –Strengthening your neck and improving your posture through physical exercises
- Spinal Decompression Therapy—decompressing the spinal neuro elements to reduce pain.
Upper Cervical Pain Diagnosis and Treatment: Contact Certified Chiropractor in Fairfax, VA
Chiropractic care is an appealing option for neck pain treatment because it does not involve prescription medication or invasive surgery. Call Circle Chiropractic Center today at (703) 385-2990 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.