SUFFERING FROM NECK PAIN?

When you live with neck pain, you know that even the simplest of movements can be agonizing. The headaches, immobility and muscle weakness often hold you back from living life on your terms.
Dr. Brenda Dukes is here to help.

Your neck is an amazing and incredibly flexible structure.  For the average adult, the neck supports the full weight of our head while providing the ability to move our head in nearly any direction.
 
It’s this flexibility that makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury from accidents or repetitive activities.
The good news is that Chiropractic care offers conservative solutions with proven effectiveness.  
 
Thank you so much for taking the first step to a healthier you.
Dr. Dukes and her staff are excited to help you feel better. If you or your loved one is suffering, please call us today.  Schedule your consultation to learn if Chiropractic care is the right option for you so that you can get back to living your life.
(813) 752-2524
 
NOTE: If this is a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

What Causes Neck Pain?
 
Activities you may take for granted often are the most common cause of neck pain. Poor posture such as slouching, activities such as painting a room in your home, or even something as innocuous as buying a new pillow can cause neck pain. These kinds of activities can lead to neck strain, a sprain, or a spasm of the neck muscles.
 
Injuries caused by falling from a ladder or whiplash from a car accident are obvious sources of neck pain. For many, common activities and daily habits that we take for granted can cause of neck pain too.
 
Common causes of neck pain:

• Injury and Accidents:  Whiplash occurs when a sudden “whipping” motion injures the soft tissues of the neck and head. Car accidents and sports injuries are the most common cause of whiplash.
• Disorders typically associated with aging: osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease.
• Postural stress: repetitive motion, extended sitting, weak abdominal muscles and obesity often compromise spine balance through poor posture.
• Emotional Stress can also cause poor posture due to chronic muscles fatigue.

 
What are some common symptoms associated with neck issues?
 
Patients commonly report ‘feeling a knot’, general stiffness, or pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back or arms. Others may report headaches.  Pain may shoot down your arm. You may also have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm. You may not be able to move or turn your head and neck easily causing even basic movements of the head, neck, shoulders or upper body to be extremely challenging. 
 
If your neck pain is chronic (long-lasting), you may have trouble coping with daily life. Common side effects of chronic pain include fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
 
Chiropractic Care of Neck Pain
 
Dr. Dukes will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a thorough exam. Your daily activities, health history and any injuries, illnesses, posture, range of motion, physical condition, work habits and life habits are a vital part of the examination process.
 
In some instances, Dr. Dukes may order an X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI or EMG to help diagnose your condition.
 
If Dr. Dukes diagnoses a condition outside of her scope of care, such as a neck fracture or an indication of an organic disease, she will refer you to the appropriate medical physician or specialist. Dr. Dukes may ask for permission to inform your primary care physician of any treatment  you are receiving to properly coordinate your chiropractic care and medical care.