Neck Pain Treatment & Chiropractic Care in Ortonville, MN

Find Out What May Be Causing Neck Pain

Neck pain can make everyday activities difficult.

Turning the head while driving, looking over a shoulder, working at a computer, using a phone, sleeping or simply getting through the day can become uncomfortable when the neck isn't moving normally.

Neck pain can come from many different sources, including muscles, joints, discs, nerves, injuries and repetitive stress.

At Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center, Dr. Chance Haugen evaluates the individual patient rather than assuming every case of neck pain has the same cause.

The goal is to understand what may be contributing to the symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care, rehabilitation, ARPwave Neuro Therapy or another approach is appropriate.

[Schedule a Neck Pain Evaluation]

What Can Cause Neck Pain?

Neck pain has many potential causes.

Some common contributors include:

Muscle Strain

Muscles in the neck and upper back can become irritated or overloaded from repetitive activity, awkward positions, lifting or prolonged static postures.

Joint Restrictions

The small joints of the cervical spine help control movement. Restricted or irritated joints can contribute to localized pain and stiffness.

Disc Problems

The discs between the vertebrae allow the neck to move and help absorb forces. Disc-related problems can sometimes contribute to neck pain or irritation of nearby nerves.

Nerve Irritation

Irritation or compression of a cervical nerve can sometimes cause symptoms extending from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand.

Injuries

Whiplash, falls, sports injuries, work injuries and other trauma can affect the muscles, joints and other structures of the neck.

Repetitive Postures

Spending long periods looking down at a phone, working at a computer or performing the same task repeatedly can place additional stress on the neck and upper back.

Why Does My Neck Hurt?

Knowing where the neck hurts is useful, but understanding what aggravates the pain can provide additional information.

Does it hurt when:

  • Turning the head?

  • Looking up?

  • Looking down?

  • Driving?

  • Working?

  • Using a phone?

  • Sleeping?

  • Sitting for a long time?

  • Moving the arm or shoulder?

The answers can help identify patterns that may be relevant to the problem.

Two people can have similar neck pain but completely different contributing factors.

That's why an individualized history and examination are important.

Neck Pain From Phone Use

Does Looking Down at a Phone Cause Neck Pain?

Modern life often requires spending significant amounts of time looking at phones, tablets and other devices.

Holding the head in a sustained position can place different demands on the muscles and joints of the neck.

Over time, prolonged or repetitive positioning may contribute to discomfort for some people.

The solution isn't necessarily to stop using technology.

Instead, strategies such as changing positions, taking movement breaks and adjusting the way devices are held can reduce prolonged static loading.

[Learn More About Neck Pain From Phone Posture]

Neck Pain and Headaches

Neck problems and headaches can sometimes occur together.

Certain headaches can involve structures in the upper neck, while muscle tension and changes in neck movement may also contribute to headache symptoms.

However, not every headache comes from the neck.

Headaches have many possible causes, and some require medical evaluation.

If a headache is sudden and severe, follows significant trauma, or occurs with neurological symptoms such as weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking or loss of consciousness, urgent medical evaluation is appropriate.

[Learn More About Neck-Related Headaches]

Neck Pain That Travels Into the Arm

Neck pain accompanied by symptoms extending into the shoulder, arm or hand may indicate irritation involving a cervical nerve.

Symptoms can include:

  • Pain

  • Tingling

  • Numbness

  • Burning sensations

  • Weakness

The pattern of symptoms matters.

An examination can help determine whether the symptoms appear consistent with a musculoskeletal problem and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

Progressive weakness or significant neurological changes warrant prompt medical evaluation.

Neck Pain After an Injury

Neck pain can occur after:

  • Auto accidents

  • Falls

  • Sports injuries

  • Work injuries

  • Lifting injuries

  • Sudden twisting movements

  • Other trauma

Some injuries may initially seem minor but become more noticeable over the following hours or days.

A proper evaluation can help determine whether the injury appears appropriate for chiropractic care or whether additional medical evaluation or imaging is warranted.

How Big Stone Chiropractic Approaches Neck Pain

1. Understand the History

The circumstances surrounding the pain can provide important information.

Dr. Haugen may consider:

  • How the pain started

  • Whether an injury occurred

  • What movements aggravate symptoms

  • Whether symptoms travel into the arm

  • Previous episodes

  • Work demands

  • Sports and exercise

  • Sleeping position

  • Time spent using computers or phones

2. Evaluate Movement

The examination may include assessing:

  • Neck range of motion

  • Joint movement

  • Muscle function

  • Posture and movement patterns

  • Related areas such as the shoulders and upper back

3. Develop an Individualized Plan

Depending on the findings, care may include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, rehabilitation exercises, ARPwave Neuro Therapy or other appropriate approaches.

4. Monitor Progress

The response to care helps determine whether the treatment plan should continue, change or whether additional evaluation is necessary.

What Treatment Might Be Used?

Treatment depends on the cause and individual circumstances.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments may be appropriate for certain mechanical neck problems and may be used to improve joint movement and function.

Rehabilitation

Exercises can help address mobility, strength, coordination and movement patterns when appropriate.

Soft-Tissue Techniques

Muscles and surrounding soft tissues may contribute to neck symptoms and can sometimes be addressed as part of a broader treatment plan.

ARPwave Neuro Therapy

ARPwave may be incorporated into rehabilitation for appropriate patients when muscle function or injury recovery is part of the treatment plan.

Patient Education

Understanding posture, activity, movement and other contributing factors can help patients manage their condition and reduce aggravating factors.

Neck Pain and Sleep

Neck pain can make finding a comfortable sleeping position difficult.

A pillow that is too high or too low may feel uncomfortable for some people, although there isn't one universally correct pillow position for everyone.

If neck pain consistently interferes with sleep, an evaluation may help determine whether a musculoskeletal problem is contributing to the symptoms.

When Should Neck Pain Be Evaluated?

Many episodes of neck pain are not emergencies, but certain symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Seek urgent medical evaluation for neck pain associated with:

  • Significant trauma

  • Severe or rapidly worsening pain

  • New or progressive weakness

  • Significant numbness

  • Difficulty walking or coordinating movements

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

  • Fever or signs of serious infection

  • Severe headache unlike previous headaches

  • Confusion, fainting or loss of consciousness

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Sudden vision changes

When symptoms suggest a condition outside the appropriate scope of chiropractic care, referral for medical evaluation is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Pain

Can a chiropractor help neck pain?

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain mechanical or musculoskeletal causes of neck pain. An evaluation helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for the individual.

Can a chiropractor help a stiff neck?

Depending on the cause, chiropractic care may help certain types of mechanical neck stiffness. Treatment is based on the patient's history and examination.

Can poor posture cause neck pain?

Prolonged or repetitive postures can contribute to neck discomfort for some people. Changing positions regularly and incorporating movement breaks may help reduce prolonged stress.

Can looking at a phone cause neck pain?

Spending extended periods in a sustained neck position while using a phone may contribute to discomfort. Changing positions and taking regular movement breaks can help.

Why does neck pain sometimes travel into the arm?

Neck pain that travels into the arm can sometimes involve irritation of a cervical nerve. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness should be evaluated appropriately.

Can neck problems cause headaches?

Some headaches can involve structures in the upper neck, but headaches have many potential causes. Persistent, severe or unusual headaches should be appropriately evaluated.

Should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?

Neck and other musculoskeletal injuries can occur after an auto accident. An evaluation can help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Significant trauma or concerning symptoms may require medical evaluation first.

Can ARPwave help neck pain?

ARPwave may be incorporated into rehabilitation for appropriate patients when muscle function or injury recovery is part of the treatment plan. It is not appropriate for every type of neck pain.

Neck Pain Resources

Explore additional information from Big Stone Chiropractic:

[Neck Pain From Phone Posture]

[Neck Injuries and Headaches]

[Headaches]

[Sports & Work Injuries]

[ARPwave Neuro Therapy]

Get Back to Moving Comfortably

Neck pain shouldn't automatically be accepted as something that has to be lived with.

If neck pain, stiffness or related symptoms are interfering with work, driving, exercise, sleep or everyday activities, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to the problem.

Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center

Ortonville, MN & Milbank, SD

320-487-1010

[Schedule an Appointment]