Chiropractic care is a proven, medically recognized approach for managing neck pain caused by muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or injuries. At Advanced Spine & Rehab in Mesa, AZ 85206, patients benefit from a complete staff of medical professionals trained in the latest treatment techniques. Care may include spinal adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and soft tissue therapies, all designed to restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and improve function. Their holistic, compassionate approach ensures individualized care for long-term health.
Can neck pain cause nausea?
Yes, neck pain can sometimes contribute to nausea, particularly when it involves irritation of the cervical spine, muscle tension, or nerve compression that affects balance and neurological function. In certain cases, restricted blood flow or tight muscles in the upper neck may also trigger dizziness and queasiness. Because symptoms like nausea can overlap with other medical conditions, a thorough evaluation is important to determine the cause and ensure safe, appropriate treatment for long-term relief.
How to tell if your neck needs an adjustment?
Signs that your neck may benefit from an adjustment include stiffness, reduced range of motion, frequent headaches, or discomfort that radiates into the shoulders or upper back. You might also notice joint “locking” sensations, postural strain, or pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or device use. Professional evaluation is important to rule out underlying conditions, and a trained provider can determine whether spinal adjustment or alternative therapies are the safest and most effective option.
Which is better for neck pain, massage or chiropractor?
Both massage therapy and chiropractic care can provide relief for neck pain, but they address different aspects of the condition. Massage focuses on relaxing tight muscles, improving circulation, and reducing stress-related tension. Chiropractic care targets joint alignment, spinal mechanics, and nerve function to correct underlying dysfunction. In many cases, a combination of both therapies offers the most effective results, as muscle relaxation and spinal adjustments together promote lasting relief and improved overall function.
Can a chiropractor help with a pinched nerve in the neck?
Yes, chiropractic care can often help relieve symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck. Misalignment of the cervical spine or tight surrounding tissues may place pressure on nerves, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper spinal alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve mobility. In addition, targeted therapies and rehabilitative exercises may be recommended to support healing, decrease inflammation, and prevent recurring episodes of nerve compression.
What does chiropractic neck adjustment do?
A chiropractic neck adjustment, also known as cervical manipulation, is designed to restore normal joint motion, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall spinal alignment. When performed by a trained provider, the adjustment helps decrease pressure on surrounding nerves, enhances circulation, and promotes better nervous system function. Patients often experience reduced pain, improved range of motion, and relief from tension headaches or radiating discomfort. This therapy supports long-term spinal health and overall musculoskeletal balance.
Common symptoms that may prompt chiropractic care for neck pain
Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion
When the cervical spine is misaligned or muscles are inflamed, normal neck movement becomes restricted. Patients may notice difficulty turning the head side to side or looking up and down. Chiropractic care targets joint mobility and soft tissue balance, helping restore movement and reduce stiffness over time.
Headaches, Especially Tension or Cervicogenic
Neck dysfunction often contributes to headaches due to muscle tension, nerve irritation, or poor posture. These headaches can radiate from the neck to the back of the skull or behind the eyes. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies reduce tension, improve circulation, and relieve the root source of pain.
Radiating Pain or Numbness into Shoulders and Arms
When cervical nerves are compressed, pain, tingling, or numbness may extend beyond the neck into the shoulders, arms, or hands. This often indicates nerve irritation from joint misalignment or disc involvement. Chiropractic care addresses the underlying mechanical issues, relieving nerve pressure and restoring proper neurological function.
Persistent Muscle Tension and Spasms
Muscles surrounding the neck can become chronically tight, either compensating for spinal misalignment or reacting to stress and poor posture. This tension can cause ongoing pain, restricted movement, and fatigue. Chiropractic care corrects alignment, reducing muscle strain and breaking the cycle of tension and recurrent spasms.
Grinding or Popping Sensations (Crepitus)
Some patients experience cracking, grinding, or popping sounds in the neck during movement. This can result from uneven joint surfaces or misalignment. While not always painful, these sensations may signal underlying dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments help normalize joint motion and reduce abnormal stress that contributes to crepitus.
The top medical causes of neck pain
Cervical Disc Herniation
A bulging or ruptured disc can compress spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis)
Age-related degeneration of spinal joints and discs may cause stiffness, reduced motion, nerve irritation, and chronic neck pain that worsens with activity.
Muscle Strain or Sprain
Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movement can injure muscles and ligaments in the neck, resulting in inflammation, spasms, and limited range of motion.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal places pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, producing radiating pain, tingling, or weakness in the neck and arms.
Whiplash or Trauma
Sudden forceful neck movement, often from accidents, damages soft tissues and joints, leading to persistent pain, muscle tension, headaches, and reduced flexibility.
Medical treatments for neck pain
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise spinal manipulations restore alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve mobility. This approach targets the mechanical source of pain to promote natural healing and function.
Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises, posture training, and manual therapy strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct movement patterns, reducing stress on cervical structures and preventing recurring pain.
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage relaxes tense muscles, enhances circulation, and reduces inflammation. This promotes pain relief, restores tissue mobility, and supports recovery from both acute and chronic conditions.
Medication Management
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants help reduce inflammation, ease spasms, and control pain, especially in acute flare-ups or post-traumatic injury cases.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Modifications
Improving workstation setup, posture, and daily habits reduces strain on the cervical spine, addressing root causes and preventing recurrence of musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain.
Summary
Neck pain is a common condition that can result from spinal misalignment, muscle strain, or degenerative changes, often leading to stiffness, headaches, or radiating discomfort. Common causes include disc herniation, arthritis, trauma, and postural stress. Treatment options range from chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage, to medication and lifestyle modifications. Early recognition and professional care are key to restoring mobility, reducing pain, and preventing recurrence, ensuring long-term spinal health and improved quality of life.
Meet The Professional Staff
At Advanced Spine & Rehab in the Phoenix East Valley, we are dedicated to providing individualized care that combines compassion, understanding, and integrity. Our calm, supportive environment is designed to put patients at ease while offering the most advanced chiropractic and rehabilitative services available. Whether you are dealing with everyday discomfort or recovering from injury, our team works with you to find effective solutions for relief and long-term health. Let us guide you on your road to recovery.