Neck Pain Treatment in Vancouver
Chiropractic Assessment & Care for Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that can range from mild stiffness or aching to pain that interferes with work, sleep, exercise and everyday activities.
At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess patients with neck pain to help determine what may be contributing to their symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
If you are looking for a chiropractor for neck pain in Vancouver, the first step is an appropriate assessment rather than assuming that every episode of neck pain has the same cause or requires the same treatment.
To book a neck pain assessment:
Call 604-733-7744 or book a chiropractic appointment online.
What Can Cause Neck Pain?
Neck pain can develop for many different reasons. Sometimes symptoms begin after an injury, while in other cases discomfort develops gradually.
Possible causes and contributing factors may include:
- Muscle or soft-tissue strain
- Joint irritation or reduced mobility
- Prolonged sitting or computer work
- Repetitive activities
- Sports or recreational injuries
- Motor vehicle collisions and whiplash-associated injuries
- Degenerative changes involving the cervical spine
- A bulging or herniated cervical disc
- Nerve irritation
Because neck pain can have different causes, an appropriate assessment is important rather than assuming that every episode of neck pain should be treated the same way.
Common Neck Pain Symptoms
Neck problems can present in different ways, including:
- Aching or stiffness in the neck
- Pain with turning or moving the head
- Reduced or uncomfortable neck movement
- Pain around the shoulders or upper back
- Headaches occurring with neck symptoms
- Pain extending into the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or tingling when a nerve is involved
The location, onset and behaviour of your symptoms can provide useful information during your assessment.
Chiropractic Assessment for Neck Pain
When you visit our Vancouver chiropractic clinic for neck pain, the first step is understanding your symptoms, health history and how the problem affects your daily activities.
Your assessment may include discussion of:
- When and how your neck pain began
- Where your symptoms are located
- Whether symptoms extend into your shoulder, arm or hand
- Whether you experience numbness, tingling or weakness
- Movements or positions that aggravate or relieve your symptoms
- Previous injuries or episodes of neck pain
- Your work, exercise and daily activities
The physical examination may assess neck and upper-back movement, mobility, strength and neurological function when appropriate.
If your symptoms or examination findings suggest that imaging, medical investigation or another form of assessment may be appropriate, we can discuss referral rather than simply proceeding with treatment.
Watch: Understanding Neck Pain
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Neck Pain?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some people experiencing neck pain, depending on the nature of the problem and the findings of their assessment.
Treatment is individualized. Depending on your presentation, chiropractic care may include:
- Manual therapy
- Joint mobilization or manipulation when appropriate
- Soft-tissue techniques
- Mobility and range-of-motion exercises
- Progressive strengthening exercises
- Advice about activities or movements that may aggravate symptoms
- Posture or ergonomic recommendations when relevant
The goal is to improve movement and function while addressing relevant musculoskeletal factors. Treatment recommendations are based on the individual rather than applying the same approach to every person with neck pain.
If another type of care or further medical assessment appears more appropriate, we can discuss that with you.
Neck Pain and a Pinched Nerve
Neck pain accompanied by pain, numbness, tingling or weakness extending into the shoulder, arm or hand may sometimes involve irritation of a cervical nerve root. There are also other possible causes of these symptoms.
Learn more about pinched nerve treatment in Vancouver.
Neck Pain and Bulging or Herniated Discs
A cervical disc problem is one possible contributor to neck or arm symptoms, particularly when a nearby nerve root becomes irritated.
However, disc changes can also appear on imaging in people who have no symptoms. Imaging findings therefore need to be considered together with a patient's history and physical examination.
Learn more about bulging and herniated disc treatment in Vancouver.
Neck Pain and Headaches
Some headaches can occur together with neck pain, stiffness or restricted neck movement. Headaches can also have many causes unrelated to the neck, so appropriate assessment is important.
For more information, visit our Headache Treatment in Vancouver page.
Neck Pain and Whiplash
Neck pain is commonly reported following motor vehicle collisions and may occur as part of a whiplash-associated injury. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, restricted movement, upper-back or shoulder discomfort and headaches.
Learn more about Whiplash Treatment in Vancouver.
ICBC Chiropractic Treatment After a Car Accident
If your neck pain developed following a motor vehicle accident and you have an ICBC claim, chiropractic treatment may be available as part of your accident benefits.
For information about ICBC treatment, eligibility and direct billing, visit our ICBC Chiropractor Vancouver page.
Movement and Exercise for Neck Pain
Appropriate movement and exercise can be useful components of managing many types of neck pain. However, there is no single stretch or exercise program that is appropriate for every patient.
Exercise selection should take into account your symptoms, abilities, examination findings and response to movement.
Watch: Neck Mobility & Stretching
When Neck Pain Needs Prompt Medical Attention
Most episodes of neck pain do not represent a medical emergency. However, certain symptoms or circumstances require prompt medical assessment.
Seek appropriate urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:
- Significant or rapidly progressing weakness
- New difficulty with balance or coordination
- Severe neck pain following significant trauma
- Neck pain accompanied by severe or unusual neurological symptoms
- Other significant or rapidly worsening symptoms that concern you
If you are uncertain about new, severe or worsening symptoms, obtaining appropriate medical assessment is preferable to ignoring them.
Neck Pain Treatment FAQ
Can a chiropractor assess neck pain?
Yes. Chiropractors assess musculoskeletal conditions involving the neck and related areas. The assessment can help identify relevant clinical findings and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether another form of assessment should be considered.
What happens during a chiropractic neck pain assessment?
Your chiropractor will discuss your symptoms and health history and may assess neck movement, joint and muscle function, strength and neurological findings when appropriate. The examination is adapted to your symptoms and circumstances.
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Some headaches occur together with neck pain, stiffness or restricted neck movement. However, headaches have many possible causes, so new, severe or unusual headaches should be appropriately assessed.
What if my neck pain travels into my arm?
Pain, numbness, tingling or weakness extending into the shoulder, arm or hand may sometimes involve irritation of a nerve in the neck, although other causes are possible. These symptoms should be assessed rather than diagnosed based on symptoms alone.
Can neck pain happen after a car accident?
Yes. Neck pain and stiffness are commonly reported after motor vehicle collisions and may occur as part of a whiplash-associated injury. Assessment can help determine the appropriate next steps based on your symptoms and examination findings.
Looking for a Neck Pain Chiropractor in Vancouver?
If neck pain is interfering with your work, sleep, exercise or everyday activities, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess patients with neck pain and related musculoskeletal complaints and make treatment recommendations based on individual findings.
New patients are welcome.
Hycroft Chiropractic & Massage
Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates
Suite 114 - 3195 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3K2
Phone: 604-733-7744
Email: info@vancouverchiropractic.net
Book Your Chiropractic Appointment Online
Or call 604-733-7744
