Struggling with neck pain?
Do you feel like you have a crick in your neck? Does it hurt to turn your head or tilt it in a certain direction? If you’re trying to nod “yes” but that’s causing pain, you might have what is called a Cervical Segmental Joint Restriction.
A cervical segmental joint restriction is when one or more of the joints in your neck is slightly misaligned and restricted. This type of injury is also called a subluxation, which literally means “less than a dislocation.”
How does this happen?
Joint restrictions can develop in many ways. Sometimes they are brought on by an accident or an injury. Other times, they develop from repetitive strains or poor posture. Restricted joints can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of pain and discomfort. It starts when joint restriction causes swelling and inflammation, which can put your muscles into a constant state of alert that can cause even more joint restriction. Since your spine functions as a unit, rather than as isolated pieces, a joint restriction in one area of your spine often causes problems in another. This is due to your spine compensating for the area under stress. It is unable to do its job correctly so the other areas have to pick up the slack, putting more strain on them and leading to another injury.
Symptoms:
Joint restrictions most commonly cause local tenderness and discomfort. You may notice that your range of motion is limited or moving your head and neck may increase your discomfort. Pain from a restricted joint often trickles down to your shoulders and upper back.
- Pain and discomfort
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches
- Light-headedness
- Jaw problems
Please let us know immediately if your symptoms include any dizziness, numbness or tingling in your face or arms, any changes in vision, or difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking, as those could be signs of a more serious issue.
Treatment:
Fortunately, chiropractic care has been shown to be the safest and most effective treatment for joint restrictions. We offer several tools to assess your injury and help ease your pain. To speed your recovery, you should avoid carrying heavy bags or purses on your shoulder, as this may aggravate your condition, and be sure to take frequent breaks from sedentary activity.