There are several ways to injure your neck or upper back.
In most instances, it will heal pretty quickly.
Your stiff neck or sore back is usually back to normal in a few days after taking it easy.
Sometimes, though, we aren't so fortunate.
In the article below, we explore several reasons you should visit your chiropractor for upper back or neck pain.
Table of Contents
- You Cant Sleep
- You're Over 50
- You've Been in an Accident
- You Have Radiating Pain Down One Leg Or Arm
- Your Pain Won't Go Away
- You've Experienced Whiplash
- The Arrowhead Clinic of Lithia Springs
You Can't Sleep
If your pain is keeping you up at night, it's probably worth checking out.
If you have neck pain and a fever, you need to contact your doctor right away.
A fever accompanying could be a sign of infection like meningitis.
Getting an infection like that diagnosed early could save your life.
You're Over 50
As we get older, it's harder for our bodies to heal on their own.
We also tend to become more sedentary as we age, leading to weight gain, which leads to back pain.
You don't want to have any lingering issues that won't go away as you age.
Even if you are currently pain-free, it's still a good idea to talk to your chiropractor about pain management, weight management, physical therapy, and other relevant treatments.
You've Been In An Accident
If you've been involved in an accident, even something as forgetful as a slip and fall, you should be checked out.
You might feel fine immediately after the accident, but you could still experience pain related to the accident later on.
After an accident, you should always see a chiropractor as soon as possible to prevent it from leading to other problems.
You Have Radiating Pain Down One Leg Or Arm
If you experience any pain, weaknesses, or numbness down one leg or arm, you might have sciatica.
Your chiropractor can perform the necessary tests to determine the best type of treatment.
Your Pain Won't Go Away
If your pain has lasted longer than three weeks, you probably have a chronic condition.
Once the pain becomes chronic, it plays by a new set of rules.
Early diagnosis and treatment of pain are vital to restoring your quality of life and keeping your pain from turning chronic.
You've Experienced Whiplash
The dangerous thing about whiplash is that you don't always feel its effects as soon as it happens.
It can take days or weeks to feel the pain associated with a whiplash injury.
Pain in your neck, a decreased range of motion, or if your neck feels like it's in a knot, are all signs of whiplash.
Headaches that start at the base of the neck and radiate upward is also a sign of whiplash.
Getting your whiplash treated so it doesn't cause additional problems is crucial to your recovery.
The Arrowhead Clinic of Lithia Springs
A chiropractor is an excellent choice to help treat your neck and back pain.
Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation to achieve proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure.
A proper alignment will alleviate your pain and lessen your chances of further treatment for your back pain.
If your neck pain isn't going away, or you meet any of the criteria above, you need to see a chiropractor.
If chiropractic treatment is right for you, our Lithia Springs Chiropractor is standing by.
They are experienced professionals that can help you prevent or eliminate your back pain.
To schedule your free consultation with the Arrowhead Clinic of Lithia Springs, click the banner below.