Stiff Neck: A Natural Treatment Method

What is Stiff Neck?

Stiff neck occurs when the muscles and ligaments in the neck are injured or strained from repetitive, forceful and/or sustained muscle contractions. Stiff neck is a common condition, with an estimated 60 percent of Americans affected by stiff neck symptoms at least once in their lifetime. 

Signs and Symptoms of Stiff Neck

As you would expect, the defining symptom of stiff neck is stiffness in the neck and upper back. The severity of stiffness can range from a mild inconvenience to a debilitating condition that prevents patients from engaging in routine activities.

The pain associated with stiff neck is typically localized to the neck and upper back. A stiff neck can result in a dull ache in the neck that can be felt at the base of the skull and radiates into the shoulders and arms. Other common symptoms of stiff neck include difficulty turning the head from side to side and muscle spasms when lifting or nodding the head.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Effects Stiff Neck

The upper cervical spine is the area of the spine directly below the skull and is made up of seven cervical vertebrae. Because of its position near the base of the skull, the upper cervical spine plays an important role in stabilizing the musculoskeletal structures of the neck and upper back. 

Stiff neck is often the result of a disruption in the natural alignment and biomechanics of the upper cervical spine. A misalignment in this segment of the spine can stretch or compress the muscles and ligaments in the neck and upper back, causing strained muscles, pinched nerves, and gradual loss of joint mobility. Left untreated, these injuries will compound, leading to the development of long-term stiffness in the neck.

How Our Stiff Neck Treatment Works

Our treatment for stiff neck centers on the assumption that dysfunction in the upper cervical spine is the primary source of neck tension and stiffness. Before we can correct any misalignments, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Hoefer, will examine your upper cervical spine and identify the exact angle and location of any vertebral misalignments. This process typically involves the use of digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans.

Once we have assessed your spinal column, Dr. Hoefer will then begin the process of realigning the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine. To do so, Dr. Hoefer will utilize painless, non-invasive chiropractic adjustment techniques. By correcting the misalignment of the upper cervical spine, we can restore joint mobility and eliminate the tension that is causing difficulty rotating and bending the neck.

If you’re looking for a natural treatment method for stiff neck, we can help! Dr. Hoefer services patients in Orange County, including Anaheim, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.