Back Pain and Neck Pain FAQs at Pain Care Associates In Little Rock

Poor posture, activities that strain the neck, or a whiplash injury are the three primary causes for neck pain. Slouching, straining to reach a keyboard or computer screen, or sleeping without proper cervical spine support are also common triggers for chronic neck pain. A traumatic whiplash injury can also “whip” the cervical spine backwards and forwards, knocking it out of alignment and triggering pain. When the cervical spine is out of alignment, the spine may compress nearby nerves and muscles, triggering chronic pain and restricting mobility.

The lower back is commonly subject to mechanical stress and strain. The weight of the upper body naturally places weight on the lower back. This combination of weight, together with a lumbar spine misalignment, causes natural wear and tear over time. A slipped disc, herniated disc, ruptured disc or bulging disc are common causes for back pain. When these discs slip out of alignment, they compress nearby nerves and triggering recurring back pain.

If you are suffering from back or neck pain, schedule a diagnostic appointment with our chiropractor. Our chiropractor is trained to identify and treat musculoskeletal injuries that are frequently the underlying cause for neck and back pain. For example, some of our patients suffer from a painful condition known as sciatica. Sciatica itself is symptomatic of a more serious lumbar spine misalignment. When a herniated disc in the lumbar spine compresses the sciatic nerve, this triggers recurring pain sensations in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

The first step to treating neck pain or back pain is to identify the underlying cause. Neck pain and back pain is diagnosed through a comprehensive exam. Our chiropractor will identify the specific location of spinal subluxations. Once these locations are identified, our chiropractor will then create a custom treatment plan to restore proper alignment to the spine. The key to treating pain, like sciatica, is to diagnose the root cause.

Chiropractic adjustments are an effective, drug-free treatment option for back pain and neck pain in Little Rock patients. Our gentle, hands-on adjustments are safe for individuals of all ages, including younger children and older adults. Our chiropractor recognizes that all patients experience pain differently. Depending the extent of your pain, our chiropractor may recommend complementary therapies, including corrective exercise, to strengthen the nearby muscles that help hold the spine in place. Muscles and tissues that are improperly utilized can trigger some types of back pain and neck pain. Corrective care exercises and chiropractic adjustments help to prevent the recurrence of future pain.