Neck Pain, Jaw Pain, & Headaches

An older individual with gray hair is seen from behind, gently holding their neck, possibly indicating discomfort or stretching.

Neck Pain

Neck pain is very common, with estimates ranging from 15-30% of the population having neck pain at any given time.

Neck pain can be caused by acute injuries, poor posture, computer work, reading too much on your phone, having unhealthy breathing patterns, using poor form while exercising, stress, clenching your teeth, muscle imbalance, and much more. It can be further complicated by having varying degrees of arthritis / stenosis in your spine.

An important part in treating your neck pain is trying to find the things that are driving the strain in your neck in your particular situation. We do this by doing a detailed exam and history.

In my office I treat neck pain with some combination of traditional or non-force manipulation, massage, neuro-mobilization, Graston Technique / myofascial release, post-isometric relaxation, kinesiotape/cupping, gentle traction, and individualized rehabilitative exercises.

In addition to treating your neck in the office, we’ll review lifestyle modifications and well as stretching and strengthening exercises.

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can be caused by misalignment, inflammation, or instability of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). This can be brought on by stress-induced clenching/grinding, trauma, muscle imbalance, and dental work.

I find that an important facet of care for TMJ pain is to assess and treat muscle imbalance in the neck and face. Frequently I find that some muscles are hyperactive/tight and others are weak, and that by focusing treatment and homecare on those areas significantly helps us have better outcomes. In many instances treating the person’s neck and upper back is also very helpful.

In most cases I’ll give quite a bit of homecare (ice, heat, exercises, life-style modifications) in addition to the treatment that we do in the office.

For certain TMJ issues, I will refer to, or co-treat with a dentist.

Headaches

Headaches can incredibly debilitating. Many tension and “cervicogenic” headaches, and some migraine headaches respond very well to chiropractic care. After a thorough assessment where we rule out the more serious causes of a headache, I usually use a combination of chiropractic manipulation, possibly non-force manipulation, massage, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and strengthening/stretching at home to normalize muscle imbalance.

An important part of treating headaches is trying to find, and then to eliminate, the things that trigger them. Potential triggers are device use, computer/desk ergonomics, stressful breathing patterns, poor posture posture, dental imbalance, foods, etc.

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