Neck Pain Specialist
AC Spine & Wellness Center
Integrated Wellness Center located in Lawrenceville, GA
Occasional neck pain is something most children and adults experience at some point in time. When neck pain doesn’t go away after a few days, it could be a sign of a serious injury or a spinal condition. Dr. Jeanette Altieri and Dr. Louis Cavallo of AC Spine & Wellness Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia, have more than 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating neck pain.
Neck Pain Q & A
What causes neck pain?
Your neck is a complex system of vertebrae and cartilage that extend from your skull to your upper torso. Bones, ligaments, and muscles support your head and vertebrae and allow movement. Any time you have inflammation, injury, or irritated muscles, ligaments, or cartilage, you experience neck pain and stiffness. If neck injuries are left untreated, over time you may experience intense pain.
Common causes of neck pain include poor posture, sleeping in an incorrect position, or whiplash from a car accident. Arthritis, worn joints, herniated discs, or pinched nerves can also cause discomfort in the neck. Other forms of neck pain come from conditions such as fibromyalgia, swollen lymph nodes, or throat infections.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a painful injury to your neck resulting from a car accident. One of the most prevalent forms of neck pain is a direct result of being rear-ended in a car. Suddenly being hit from behind without warning causes your head to jerk backward and forward, often with force. This sudden jerking strains the soft tissues in the neck and can cause serious pain.
Symptoms of whiplash usually appear within 24 hours of injury and include headaches and stiffness in your neck. Other signs of whiplash are:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Tingling in your arms
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Decreased neck mobility
- Difficulty concentrating
Depending on the severity of your injury, it may take a few months to fully recover. Chiropractic adjustments can realign your neck and help minimize pain as you heal.
How is neck pain treated?
After an initial diagnosis of what is causing your neck pain, Dr. Altieri and Dr. Cavallo recommend the most effective treatment plan. Your individualized care may include a number of therapies, such as:
- Alternating ice or heat therapy
- Exercise and stretching
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Postural corrections
- Use of a cervical pillow for sleeping
If you experience minor or major neck pain as a result of strain, illness, or an injury, Dr. Altieri and Dr. Cavallo provide an array of natural treatment options. Call the office or go online to schedule your consultation today.