Neck Pain

A Common but Serious Complaint

According to the American Chiropractic Association, “next to back pain, neck pain is one of the most widely suffered complaints of modern life.” Approximately 71.5% of the general population experiences neck pain at some point each year, and a sizable percentage carry it as a chronic, daily problem that quietly chips away at their quality of life.

Causes of Neck Pain

Most neck pain falls into three broad categories:

• Trauma and personal injuries — auto accidents, falls, sports injuries, and whiplash can all damage the discs, ligaments, and small joints of the cervical spine. Damage from these events sometimes shows up months or years after the original injury, especially when the initial pain was masked with medication.
• Degenerative changes — osteoarthritis, cervical disc degeneration, and bone spurs accumulate with age and repeated stress. The cervical discs lose hydration and height, the joints stiffen, and over time the openings where nerves exit the spine can begin to narrow.
• Poor daily habits — forward-head posture, long hours at a computer or phone (“tech neck”), unsupportive sleep positions, weak core and postural muscles, and incorrect repetitive movements at work or home are by far the most common modern contributors. The average head weighs about 12 pounds in a neutral position — but tilting it forward 45° to look at a phone increases the load on the cervical spine to nearly 50 pounds.

Symptoms of Neck Pain

The most common include:

• Neck stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting
• Pain when turning, tilting, or extending the neck
• Sharp, localized pain at one spot in the neck or upper shoulder
• A constant dull ache that radiates into the upper back or shoulders
• Numbness, tingling, or burning down the arms, hands, or fingers
• Weakness or clumsiness in the hands and arms
• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
• Jaw, ear, or facial pain that comes and goes alongside neck symptoms

If neck pain is accompanied by sudden severe weakness, trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a high fever, seek emergency care immediately.

Neck Pain Treatment in Fort Wayne

The Busch Chiropractic Center emphasizes a patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment. This begins with a thorough examination including updated imaging if needed, followed by a clear explanation of what we believe is causing your pain.

Dr. Busch has successfully treated thousands of patients, helping many avoid unnecessary surgery and medications. Whether your neck pain comes from an old injury, a degenerated disc, a pinched nerve, or simply too many years at a keyboard, there is a path back to a comfortable life.