Neck Pain

Neck Pain

Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability, and most of us experience this problem at some point. While acute neck pain self-resolves within two months, it often becomes chronic, and painkillers do not truly treat the problem. For this reason, treatment for neck pain is one of the most common requests our Glenview, IL (as well as other Chicago suburbs) patients have. 

What is the Main Cause of Pain in the Neck?

Incorrect use of the musculoskeletal system is the most common neck pain cause. You may be spending long hours with your head and neck frozen in one place, looking at your computer screen while working. If you spend hours on your phone, you may also be holding it in a position that places excessive strain on your neck muscles, as the weight of your head pulls them down. On the other hand, you could be sleeping in an incorrect position that twists the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sports injuries and whiplash from accidents are other causes of neck pain. 

How is Neck Pain Diagnosed?

Neck pain is diagnosed with a clinical consultation, including a case history and physical examination. Range of motion testing can determine which muscles, tendons, or joints are affected. Imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, may be necessary in more serious or complicated cases. 

At Health Box Clinic, we provide Sensitiv Imago’s Sensitive Audit to uncover some little-known causes of neck pain. The device measures the overall health and integrity of your body’s systems, so for example, hints of chronic infection may point towards systemic inflammation causing your musculoskeletal pain. You may even have an underlying connective tissue disorder, such as hypermobility. 

How Do I Relieve Neck Pain?

Neck pain treatment can involve one or more of the following, depending on your underlying causes:

• Manual Therapy
• Shock Wave Therapy
• Neuro Muscular Reeducation
• Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT)
• Therapeutic Exercises
• Electrotherapy

Manual therapies, reeducation, and exercises stretch and strengthen affected muscles. Electrotherapy, shock wave therapy, and LLLT all stimulate regeneration in different ways: by improving the neuromuscular connection and circulation; by creating microscopic areas of damage which are over-compensated for during repair; and by stimulating extra energy production. 

If neck pain is bothering you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lev Kipnis, D.N. or Dr. Olga Arbitman, D.N.  by calling us at (847) 724-1777.