Neck Pain & Whiplash
Neck pain and whiplash-associated symptoms, how they are assessed at River City, and when medical evaluation is needed first.
Neck pain has many causes. It commonly follows injury or an accident, comes on with age-related changes in the joints and discs, or builds up through everyday demands such as sustained postures at a desk.
Whiplash describes a sudden forced movement of the head and neck, most often from a vehicle collision. Symptoms can begin some hours after the event.
Common symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, and difficulty turning your head.
- An ache into the shoulder or between the shoulder blades.
- Headache, often starting at the base of the skull.
- Tingling, numbness or pain that travels into the arm.
How chiropractic care may help
For neck pain, manual care may reduce pain and improve how comfortably you move. As with low back pain, it is one option within conservative care rather than a treatment for every presentation.
What care may include
An examination is carried out first, including physical and neurological testing where your symptoms call for it. Care can then include manual treatment of the neck and upper back, mobilization, and advice on activity and self-care. Gentler approaches are available and are often appropriate.
Before any hands-on treatment it matters what else is going on with you. Tell Dr. Davis about your current medications, any blood thinners, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, recent trauma or infection, a cancer history, previous spinal surgery, or a pregnancy. These change what is appropriate to do.
When to seek medical care first
Seek urgent medical assessment rather than booking an appointment if neck symptoms come with any of the following:
- A sudden, severe headache or neck pain unlike any you have experienced before.
- Slurred speech, facial droop, visual changes, dizziness or difficulty walking.
- New, progressive or severe weakness in an arm.
- Significant trauma, such as a serious collision.
If a condition falls outside the scope of conservative care, Dr. Davis will refer you to the appropriate physician or specialist.
What to expect at River City
Your first visit starts with a conversation and an examination appropriate to what you describe. Dr. Davis explains what he finds, reviews the options with you, and recommends a plan of care if chiropractic care is appropriate.
River City Chiropractic Center is on Sabrina Drive in East Peoria, serving patients from across the Greater Peoria area.
Sources & further reading
- American Chiropractic Association — Neck Pain and Chiropractic — patient information on neck pain