Neck Injuries Impact Overall Health

Posted on Feb 24, 2019


Neck injuries can occur for any number of reasons, including a person’s involvement in sports or the fact that they sit so rigidly staring at a computer or phone screen for a dozen hours daily.

When there’s pain, it may feel like a “kink” or “stiffness.” Pain can cause a headache, as well as even more pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms and/or upper back. Usually, neck pain is more pronounced on one side.

The neck is made up of vertebrae, which include the bones and joints of the cervical spine. Then there are discs that separate the cervical vertebrae. They absorb shock as you move. Add in the muscles and ligaments in your neck– they hold the cervical spine together. If any of these parts are strained, you’ve got problems. For instance, neck muscles may spasm. Neck joints may experience inflammation. If so, you’ve got pain. Ugh.

Did you know that neck and shoulder pain so commonly overlap that there’s a name for it? It’s called “shneck pain.” Basically, your neck and shoulder are connected by multiple nerve pathways. Sometimes the brain can’t trace pain pathways back to the source so what you think is neck pain is really shoulder pain or vice versa. It’s a good idea to have a professional chiropractor examine you to determine what’s truly going on.

Now here’s where it gets even more interesting: neck problems can affect other parts of your body. You might also experience arm or leg weakness/numbness. Some people also experience loss of bladder/bowel control, and in some rare cases they lose the ability to walk. If you have an infection in your neck, you might also experience a headache, fever, skin redness, nausea, and vomiting.

Have you felt a tingling in your limbs? Do you have difficulty swallowing? What about problems with motor control? If so, your neck problem is turning out to be a whole body problem. It can become serious and immobilizing if left untreated.

In most cases, a visit to the chiropractor can help relieve the pain you have in your neck, which will then calm down the rest of your body. Therefore, please make an appointment to see Dr. Gerard at Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN; call 651-464-0800.

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Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
385 Google reviews
SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!