Neck Pain

neck pain st clair west torontoWhat causes neck pain?

Many people experience neck pain (also called cervical pain), some on a more frequent basis than others.  And it's no surprise; this type of pain can come from a variety of factors affecting the tissues in your neck, commonly including stress, poor posture, neck strain, degenerative disk disease, or neck sprain from whiplash, a herniated disk, or a pinched nerve.  Or your pain can come from a disorder that affects your muscles, such as fibromyalgia, or even from an infection.

Some potential infections leading to pain in your neck include:

  • viral infection leading to lymph gland swelling and neck pain
  • tuberculosis
  • osteomyelitis
  • meningitis

 

Symptoms of neck pain also vary a great deal, and may include:

  • dull ache
  • sharp pain
  • numbness
  • tingling
  • tenderness
  • difficulty swallowing
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • headache
  • shoulder pain
  • arm numbness or tingling

Your doctor will attempt to diagnose any underlying condition predisposing you to your pain and associated symptoms, and then treat the underlying cause.  You may be prescribed cortisone injections, muscle relaxants, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or pain medication, or in severe cases surgery may be called for.  Be sure to fully discuss your options and the risks involved.

Pain in your neck that cannot be attributed to a conventionally treatable underlying cause can be managed in many ways, e.g. through rest, by applying heat, or even trying a new pillow to sleep on.

How can natural health care treat neck pain?

At Yellow Gazebo Natural Health Care, we have some excellent methods for managing your pain.  Acupuncture and TCM can relieve your pain while improving nerve conduction and blood flow.  Massage therapy can ease your muscle tension, and chiropractic care and/or physiotherapy can be safe solutions as well.

In addition, osteopathy can be an excellent therapy for treating virtually any type of pain.

Contact us for a FREE consultation on how natural therapy can help you improve your health and manage your symptoms.

These links may also be helpful:

7 Tips for Neck Pain Relief

Acupuncture for Neck Pain

Massage Therapy for Neck Pain

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

Shoulder and Upper Back Health to Relieve Pain

Video - How to Stretch Your Neck