If you suffer from a stiff neck, you’re not alone. Some 60 percent of Americans complain that they are afflicted by stiff neck symptoms on occasion.
The muscles or ligaments in the neck can be strained due to poor posture, daily chores, or a sedentary lifestyle. These muscles can also be injured due to a fall, an accident, lifting something too heavy the wrong way, or moving the head the wrong way. Any of these situations can cause stress and tension that leads to a stiff neck.
Signs and Symptoms of a Stiff Neck
People suffering from a stiff neck will find that it’s difficult to move the neck or to turn the head from side to side. This tension may be accompanied by aches or pains at the base of the skull, down the neck, or into the shoulders and upper back. Sometimes, people with stiff necks can suffer from muscle spasms.
In mild cases, a stiff neck can be a nagging problem that makes going through your day frustrating. In more severe cases, however, the pain can be debilitating and may make it difficult for one to move the head at all or get around to do routine chores. A stiff neck can certainly impact one’s quality of life.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects a Stiff Neck
The upper cervical spine consists of the seven uppermost vertebrae that run from the base of the skull and down the neck. The job of this part of the spine is to support the weight of the head, stabilize the neck, and protect the nerves that go from the brain through the spinal cord.
Often, a stiff neck is a result of a misalignment in these vertebrae. Misalignment may result in the stretching or compression of the muscles and ligaments in this area. Such injuries can lead to the symptoms of a stiff neck, and get progressively worse if not corrected.
How Our Stiff Neck Treatment Works
The upper cervical spine is vulnerable to misalignments from jolts to the head and neck, or may even come about as a result of poor posture. Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder specialize in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a technique that focuses on the health and alignment of the upper cervical spine.
Using highly advanced 3D imaging diagnostic tools, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau can thoroughly examine the upper cervical spine and pinpoint any areas in need of alignment. They can then correct misalignments more precisely, using minimal pressure. Once corrected, the muscles and ligaments can begin to heal, and the patient will find relief from the symptoms of a stiff neck.
Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau aim to help restore health using non-invasive, safe, drug-free methods so that patients can go back to living their best lives. Call us for an appointment; we cover the areas of Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Denver in Colorado.