212 E Providencia Ave Unit C. Burbank, CA 91502
Neck stiffness is a common experience, but distinguishing between a minor discomfort and a more serious condition can be challenging. How do you know when neck stiffness and pain warrant further evaluation?
Most cases are minor, but persistent neck pain indicates underlying medical issues, and ignoring its warning signs might make things worse. To help you stay aware, let's explore some signs that your neck pain could be a serious medical issue and how More Life Chiropractic can assist you.
Mild neck pain is usually not a cause for concern. You might've slept in the wrong position or slouched for too long, but such discomfort generally passes in a few days.
However, if these sensations persist, worsen, or radiate to other parts of your body, you may have to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. Some of the more concerning causes of neck pain include:
Remember, pain is your body's way of signaling something wrong. Unsure if what you're feeling is just regular stiffness or something more serious? Consider scheduling an evaluation with trusted healthcare providers like More Life Chiropractic for your peace of mind.
It can be challenging to differentiate between minor neck pain and more concerning cases, so let's review the telltale signs of the latter.
Aches and stiffness from minor strain in your neck muscles usually improve with rest, light stretching, and over-the-counter medication.
Persistent pain lasting more than a few days without improvement may indicate an underlying condition. If your neck pain symptoms linger or worsen, especially alongside severe headaches or muscle spasms, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Do you feel radiating pain from your neck into your shoulders, arms, and back? If so, there could be nerve compression in your cervical spine.
This condition typically stems from a herniated disc, when the jelly-like substance cushioning each vertebra leaks out and pushes against surrounding nerves. It can also result from bone spurs (osteophytes), which form due to degenerative changes and may pinch nerves along the neck.
Likewise, if you notice numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in your arms or hands, the nerves in your neck might be compressed or irritated. Left untreated, this can lead to lasting nerve damage and impair your ability to move your arms or maintain grip strength.
Mild stiffness is common in cases of neck strain, as surrounding muscles become tense and restricted.
However, if turning your head causes sharp or shooting pain or movement becomes difficult or impossible, you may be suffering from a more serious cervical spine injury. Prompt medical evaluation is essential, and physical therapy may be necessary to restore mobility and prevent complications.
Neck problems, such as disc herniation, can compress nerves that connect to your head, potentially manifesting as headaches, dizziness, or vision problems, among other symptoms.
In some cases, nearby blood vessels may also be affected, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain and eyes. Such symptoms necessitate medical intervention to limit future health risks.
Experiencing neck pain after trauma should always be taken seriously. For instance, falls and car crashes cause whiplash, which happens when your head forcefully jolts back and forth. This deals considerable damage to your soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
While symptoms may feel mild at first, complications can develop days, weeks, or even months after the accident if you don't seek medical care immediately.
These symptoms, combined with neck pain, may point toward serious complications that require prompt medical care.
Swelling or fever can indicate an infection, while unexplained weight loss might stem from something more serious within your body. To be sure, it's best to visit a clinic or hospital for a comprehensive assessment.
While minor neck pain and stiffness often subside on their own, more severe cases typically don't.
If left unchecked, they could lead to chronic pain or nerve damage, impacting mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. Delaying care also results in longer recovery times and more invasive treatments.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and visit your local health provider when neck pain arises. Doing so helps address nerve compression, muscle tension, and other causes before they cause debilitating pain and immobility.
Chiropractic care is a common way to address neck pain. This treatment involves placing quick, controlled thrusts—called spinal adjustments—that help realign your joints and loosen up stiffness and pain around your neck.
Besides chiropractic care for neck pain, healthcare professionals like More Life Chiropractic also provide other neck pain treatments in Burbank, CA, including:
Don't hesitate to contact us if you notice signs that your neck pain could be a serious medical issue. We offer trusted chiropractic treatments to help you recover and return to your daily routines as smoothly as possible.
Thanks to Dr. Bijan Nowzari, More Life Chiropractic has become a trusted choice for neck pain treatment in Burbank, CA. His extensive experience treating both minor and severe neck issues has helped many local patients enjoy lasting relief.
Our clinic prioritizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs, focusing on natural, drug-free, and long-term approaches. That’s why athletes, professionals, and families in the community rely on our care—and you can, too.
Understanding the warning signs that your neck pain could be a serious medical issue helps you determine when it's time to seek timely help. As a result, you can avoid further complications and regain control of your life worry-free.
We're here to support you. More Life Chiropractic offers natural, proven solutions to treat and prevent neck pain in Burbank, from chiropractic care to rehabilitation exercises. If you notice any of these warning signs, don't wait to take action.
Schedule a consultation today and receive the thoughtful care you deserve!
