Straight neck syndrome is a postural deformation common to a lot of people nowadays. It often stems from trauma or injury to the neck that causes misalignments along the spine. If you're suffering from straight neck syndrome, we've prepared a simple guide for you to understand it better. Additionally, we will let you in on a secret to getting noticeable relief through precise correction of misalignments from an upper cervical chiropractor in Morgantown.
Take the first step towards a promising neck pain recovery journey by reaching us at 304-244-1817 or clicking the button below.
Expecting mothers are no stranger to body pain, especially as their pregnancy progresses. The growing child inside the womb and the significant anatomical and physiological changes in a woman’s body can result in aching in several body parts, including the neck. As your Morgantown neck pain chiropractor, Mountain State Wellness hopes to share a few tips that can help you work around neck pain and cope with your body changes as you welcome your bundle of joy.
Several things can compromise the cervical spine during pregnancy. One example is the increased mechanical strain on the spinal column as the child continues to develop. The vertebral column has to compromise its original structure to make way for the growing uterus, causing slight discomfort in the neck, upper back, and hips.
Another factor that OB doctors point out as a neck pain risk factor in pregnant women is spotty sleep. Notably, the sleep patterns of expecting moms can get erratic as they go into the second and third trimesters. It gets harder to sleep and stay asleep due to the hormonal changes and the burgeoning baby belly.
A painful neck can manifest due to different reasons. If you have a sore or tender neck, one or two of these conditions below may be the culprit:
This neck pain often affects expecting mommies due to poor quality sleep. Tossing and turning at night or tilting the neck at an awkward angle to fall asleep can result in involuntary neck muscle spasms the following day.
A woman’s body has to make necessary anatomical adjustments to help the baby grow inside the womb. Sadly, sometimes this can lead to nerve pinching along the spinal column. Unlike ordinary muscle pain or spasms, nerve pinching in the cervical spine can cause searing pain that spreads to the arms.
Pregnant women produce hormones that prepare the body for childbirth. For example, relaxin and progesterone loosen the muscles, ligaments, and joints. Unfortunately, these hormones can trigger mild to severe body pain that only improves after the delivery.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, request our by clicking the image below.
While neck pain during pregnancy is inevitable for some women, plenty of remedies and techniques work wonders in relieving the aching and soreness. Some examples of these include:
Heat and cold therapy are the best friends of soon-to-be mommies. Besides helping with sore breasts, both old-school remedies help relieve body pain, especially along the neck and back.
Gentle stretching exercises are essential for mothers, especially before childbirth. When done correctly, stretching exercises can provide numerous benefits, including:
Prenatal yoga has gained significant traction over the years. That’s mainly because it can boost flexibility, reduce neck or back pain, and train the muscles needed for childbirth. We strongly suggest finding a nearby yoga studio and checking programs specifically designed for expecting moms. You can also reach out to local communities and get a referral from your OB-Gyne doctor.
Expecting moms sometimes develop cervical subluxation or neck bone misalignments. Unfortunately, this results in muscle tension and even puts the body at risk of pain hypersensitivity. Hence, you might find it helpful to tap into upper cervical chiropractic.
Pregnant women find it incredibly hard to sleep because of their protruding bellies. But thankfully, specially designed pregnancy pillows are now widely available in the market. The pillows come in various sizes, colors, and materials. More importantly, they provide ample neck and back support and ease pressure on the vena cava, the largest vein that supplies blood to the heart.
Most women who buy a pregnancy pillow are in their 20th week. But, you can use it at any point in your gestation period. You can also use it to support a side sleeping position while undergoing your recovery period after childbirth.
Neck pain during pregnancy can be a bit worrying, especially if it aspects other aspects of your health. So, if you have previously sustained neck trauma before pregnancy or notice unlevelled shoulders, we strongly suggest considering upper cervical chiropractic. It’s a gentle technique that applies to a broad spectrum of individuals, including soon-to-be mommies.
A visit to a Morgantown neck pain chiropractor will allow you to check for postural imbalances in the cervical spine. It will also help you assess how far the bones shifted so you can begin receiving tailored-fit adjustments. The technique employs gentle and precise strokes to the neck to dislodge fused C1 and C2 vertebral bones. As you complete your sessions, you can potentially relieve chronic neck pain without the need for invasive methods or oral medications. It can also provide additional benefits like improved pain perception, lesser pressure on the nerve roots, and healthy blood flow.
If you want to tap into this natural remedy for neck pain, we suggest connecting with our team at Morgantown State Wellness. Call (304) 244-1817 or send a message through our contact form to book your appointment with our Morgantown neck pain chiropractor. You can also drop by our office at 965 Hartman Run Rd. Suite 1101 Morgantown, West Virginia. We cater to patients on weekdays except for Tuesdays. Learn more about your holistic and drug-free option for neck pain relief by reaching out to us today!
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lucas Watterson or Dr. Amy Watterson call our Morgantown office at 304-244-1817. You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Many people depend on pain relievers to cope with an achy neck. Sadly, the effects of medications wear out quickly, leaving people susceptible again to excruciating bouts of neck pain. If you’re keen on finding a way to get relief without drugs, here are five methods you can try! Morgantown upper cervical chiropractor also suggests the ultimate source of long-lasting neck pain relief.
Take the first step towards full recovery by reaching us at 304-244-1817 or clicking the button below.
Do you often find yourself waking up with a stiff neck, unable to move your head without any pain? Or perhaps experiencing some mild to sharp jolts in your neck region during sudden body turns? If so, you have a crick in your neck, and we know just how to fix it!
But first, let us delve into what it is exactly, what causes it, and the short and long-term solutions for it.
According to Cambridge Dictionary, a crick is a painful, usually sudden stiffness in a group of muscles in the body, particularly the neck or back. Simply put, a crick in the neck is a condition that affects and causes pain along the neck and spine.
However painful, the severity of every crick varies greatly depending on its cause. The pain is more from the discomfort of stiffness and incapacity to move freely than the excruciating kind.
A crick in the neck is common and can be caused by stress, poor posture, dehydration, lack of movement and activity, among many others. Still, the most common premise is sleeping in an awkward position.
This idea has led to the widespread misconception of neck crick being one and the same as a stiff neck. With that, many people are quick to shrug neck cricks as harmless, superficial and nothing but an unfortunate occurrence. Little do they know that the soreness and decreased neck movement range felt while having a stiff neck is merely an indication of a more serious underlying problem.
Since the body parts linked and affected by neck cricks are crucial to one’s full mobility and aptitude to perform activities, neck cricks should be taken seriously. It is one of the many underrated cases where due diligence will definitely be rewarded.
With neck crick having so many possible causes, it is pretty difficult for an average person to say for sure and explain how it came about, so oftentimes people settle with “I slept in a bad position last night.” But the thing is, a neck crick is not one of those conditions that demonstrates itself right away.
In most cases, the crick is initiated by a misalignment in one of the spine columns. The misalignment can be from one’s daily activities, environment, behavior, or a seemingly innocent accident from when you were young that you didn’t bother more about since there was no evident harm done—at least not on the surface.
A crick is usually a result of years of spine injury that has been slowly getting worse over time without the person’s knowledge. As the human body works its magic—shifting muscles, tendons, and ligaments to compensate for the anomaly—it will seem as if everything is fine. However, if the misalignment is completely ignored or left uncorrected longer, it will cause more damage that the body will not be able to cover for anymore.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, request our by clicking the image below.
There are many ways to remedy the crick condition; one of the most common is doing nothing and letting your muscles work themselves out. However, this technique takes a good amount of agonizing time until the problem is solved.
Some people take over-the-counter medicines, like Ibuprofen, to relieve the unwanted sensation. Others brave the pain by putting direct pressure and forcing the sore and stiff neck area to return to its normal motion range. All these methods may ease the stiffness, but they are not really safe to force upon the injury.
Most of the time, these quick fixes are dangerous double-edged swords. Despite helping with the retrieval of one’s normal neck mobility, these techniques also aggravate and cause more damage to the skewed vertebrae, which is not good in the long run.
The best fix for long-term relief from neck cricks is Upper Cervical Chiropractic. Although normally difficult to assess because of its subjective and multidimensional characteristics, any type of neck pain is not impossible to eliminate for good through the art and science of Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
Chiropractic is a medical practice based on the principle that the body can heal itself without drugs or surgery. Upper cervical chiropractors, in particular, do the necessary adjustments on the uppermost neck area by hand.
The technique’s gentle per-millimeter adjustments, combined with precise metrics through x-ray and scan imaging, allow for a specific, scientific, and effective way of realigning and normalizing the body’s spinal and neural functions. As a result, it relieves various disorders and promotes the body's natural healing process on the damaged spine, muscles, and nerves—which helps in alleviating neck cricks.
Finding a good chiropractor for neck pain would make a big difference in fixing neck cricks completely and effectively. And if you are in the West Virginia area, our neck pain chiropractor in Morgantown may help you.
Dr. Amy or Dr. Lucas can adjust your neck bones using the Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This safe and gentle approach renders effective results if you suffer from neck cricks. Mountain State Wellness promises to give the best quality care for all our patients.
So next time you are experiencing pain in your cervical spine or need a neck pain chiropractor in Morgantown, whether for an adjustment or just a consult, do visit our practice at 965 Hartman Run Rd. Suite 1101 Morgantown, WV 26505. We are open every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. You can also set an appointment through this page.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lucas Watterson or Dr. Amy Watterson call our Morgantown office at 304-244-1817 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Do you spend long hours each day sitting at your desk? Chances are you often experience stiffness or soreness in the neck, shoulders, and back. As it turns out, desk jobs are among the most commonly reported causes of neck pain. If you're not sure why it causes neck problems, we recommend going over our discussion below. As your go-to source of the best Upper Cervical Care in Morgantown WV, Mountain State Wellness aims to provide valuable insights so you can cope better with neck pain.
Tired of feeling stiff and sore in your neck area? Find out how you can improve your symptom with the help of Upper Cervical Care. We at Mountain State Wellness strive to provide the best care to our patients. Call us at 304-244-1817 or complete our contact form to book your consultation.
Every Morgantown upper cervical chiropractor couldn’t agree more when patients say having neck pain is a nightmare. But, unfortunately, this statement rings true for millions of people from all corners of the world.
Experiencing neck pain daily is brutal. Although neck pain symptoms vary in severity, people usually have to endure:
Having a sore neck can be an unnecessary obstacle to an already challenging day for workers. Imagine experiencing neck pain and stiffness during your daily commute or on a stressful day at work.
Getting neck pain on your days off is also frustrating and disappointing. Instead of having the day to yourself and your loved ones, you have to handle and focus on taking care of your neck.
Your recovery from neck pain begins by learning the possible reasons for it. And when you determine the root of your neck pain, only then will you have the capability to choose the best course of action to alleviate your hurting neck.
But before we look at five possible reasons for your neck pain, let’s briefly discuss what you should know about the neck.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, request our by clicking the image below.
The neck is a complex and fascinating part of the body. Its structural design enables movement and balance support for the head. Not only that, but the neck also protects the brainstem and parts of the spinal cord, which let the rest of our bodies move and feel.
Ironic as it is, the structure of the neck makes it vulnerable to issues like misalignments. If you visit a Morgantown upper cervical chiropractor, you would know that the neck or the cervical spine is consists of seven bones. Aside from these vertebrae, ligaments, discs, muscles, and joints also make up the cervical spine.
As mentioned above, the cervical spine houses the brainstem and parts of the spinal cord. Therefore, if any issues arise from the neck, say a misalignment, these problems can directly impact the nerve endings in the region and beyond, leading to neck pain.
That being said, here are five usual conditions that bring about neck pain:
Disc degeneration is a common condition that happens with age. By the age of 30, most people will experience recurring back pain and neck issues-- hence, it’s completely normal.
Accelerated disc degeneration at a much younger age, on the other hand, isn’t normal. Degenerative disc disease is usually the reason behind a faster rate of wear and tear in the parts of the neck. To prevent your spinal disc from degeneration and further damage, taking action is necessary. Keep yourself hydrated, avoid smoking, don’t drink alcohol, and maintain proper posture.
A herniated disc can be frightfully painful and uncomfortable. This condition occurs when the discs cushioning your neck bones slip out of place. To avoid having herniated discs, make sure that you keep the proper form when exercising or lifting heavy items. Avoid moving your head forcefully and practice extra care to avoid falling accidents.
Neck pain is a typical companion of headaches and migraines. However, people who consult with a Morgantown upper cervical chiropractor are often surprised to hear of the connection between neck pain and persistent headaches. An excellent explanation for their relationship is the happening during a neck misalignment.
If, for example, a misalignment exists in the topmost vertebrae of the neck, this misalignment will impede the blood flow between the neck and the brain, causing painful neck and headaches. If you are prone to getting migraines and headaches, it’s best to avoid bright, pulsating lights and other common triggers.
When degeneration occurs anywhere in the neck, pain usually follows. Those who suffer from osteoarthritis and any form of bone or joint disorders generally experience neck pain and stiffness.
Doctors would recommend that you relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis with pain and anti-inflammatory medications. In addition, try to avoid foods that cause inflammation if you have this condition.
Neck injuries, in general, often result in neck pain and other related issues. Whiplash is a highly prevalent neck injury that can lead to a hurting neck.
Believe it or not, whiplash injuries do not require getting involved in a freaky car or sports accident. Whiplash injuries can occur when you move your head too vigorously all of a sudden or when you receive a rather forceful blow to your neck or head.
At all costs, try to be careful in whatever you do to avoid injuring your neck. For example, take precautions when you drive or walk in a flight of stairs.
If you’re dealing with neck pain, you might find some peace knowing that there are several methods for coping. Today, we’ll look at three different ways to deal with consistent neck pain:
Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs are the customary go-to solutions for any physical pain, including neck pains. These OTC pills work fast to alleviate any swelling or pain in the affected region.
However, you’d need utmost care and discipline when taking any medicines for pain. Always consult your doctor when you want to start taking medications.
To live a sustainably neck-pain-free life, you have to commit to some lifestyle changes. Try to follow these rules, and your neck (and overall health) will thank you:
If you think that your neck pain is due to a neck misalignment, wouldn’t it be fitting that you go directly to the professionals? When dealing with neck problems, who else has more expertise than an upper cervical chiropractor?
If you are looking for a Morgantown upper cervical chiropractor, our Mountain State Wellness doctors can help you out. Drs. Lucas and Amy Watterson are fully capable of assessing and adjusting any neck misalignments.
The upper cervical chiropractic technique they use is exceptionally accurate and highly gentle, yielding positive results. If you want to learn more about the benefits you can reap from upper cervical chiropractic care, call us at (304) 292-7740 to talk to our doctors.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lucas Watterson or Dr. Amy Watterson call our Morgantown office at 304-244-1817 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Do you wake up in the morning with neck pain and struggle with it throughout the day? If so, you will be happy to learn about a natural way to deal with chronic neck issues. But before introducing this alternative therapy, it is important to understand what causes neck pain. This will lead to a better understanding of how to correct it. Learn everything you need to know from your trusted NUCCA Chiropractor in Morgantown, Mountain State Wellness.
Manage chronic or persistent neck pain with the help of Upper Cervical Care. Contact our practice today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lucas Watterson or Dr. Amy Watterson. You may reach us at 304-244-1817 or through our website form.
If you’re familiar with the world of migraines, you know all too well the wide range of symptoms that can come along with a migraine attack. Of course, the usual symptoms will include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. But a Morgantown Upper Cervical Chiropractor also receives reports from migraine patients about another common symptom – neck pain.
Neck pain may come in conjunction with a migraine attack and can be quite intense, leading to more frustration and overall discomfort. To help you understand the link between neck pain and migraine, we compiled vital information that you need to know about neck pain as a migraine symptom. Please keep reading to know more about them.
Neck pain is one of the most commonly reported experiences reported by those suffering from migraines. It can be excruciating and uncomfortable sometimes, making it difficult to do even the most basic everyday tasks. Therefore, finding relief is usually a top priority, whether you’ve been dealing with this issue for a while or are just now aware that neck pain might be part of your migraine symptoms.
You may visit our office to help you find relief from a migraine that comes from a previous head or neck injury. We focus on restoring the alignment and balance in your upper cervical spine, which is usually linked to migraine episodes.
We can better assess your condition when you visit us. Make sure you book your appointment ahead to avoid waiting in line. Call 304-244-1817 or use this online contact form to book your appointment.
Upper cervical chiropractors in Morgantown help people deal with their various health problems, including neck pain. Technology comes at a price. Tech neck is one price people have to pay.
We tend to become too dependent on technology nowadays. Neck pain happens because of our addiction to smartphones, tablets, mobile devices, computers, and TV. Excessive use of these devices results in health risks affecting our back and neck. No wonder a new term exists to address neck pain issues that develop from overuse of tech gadgets. This term is known as the tech neck.
The cervical spine (the region of the spine that is in the neck) contains seven vertebrae. It starts beneath the base of the skull and stops in the thoracic spine (the mid-back). Also, it is highly flexible and allows the head to move in various directions. Because of its flexibility, the neck can easily suffer from injury. How? It can happen due to the following reasons:
Any of these can cause chronic neck pain and other health problems. Fortunately, upper cervical chiropractors in Morgantown can take care of these issues. The upper cervical spine is consists of various components that may be the source of neck pain:
If the discs between the vertebrae wear thin, bulge, or herniate, then degenerative disc disease may become the result.
Like the rest of your body joints, the facet joints in your neck can deteriorate because of wear and tear or injury.
Accidents and injuries from any of the following can result in neck pain:
These can also cause damage to the ligaments of your cervical spine.
Joint arthritis, disc degeneration, bone spurs, or spinal misalignments can damage and irritate the spinal nerve roots.
Injury or muscle overuse can cause soreness of the neck muscles. Upper cervical chiropractors in Morgantown are well-versed in dealing with problems in the muscles and bones of the neck.
The upper part of the neck, where it links with the skull, is the essential region for neck pain. The atlas (C1) is the vertebra that supports the head and gives it a wide range of movement. It is also the most flexible and highly vulnerable bone in the entire spine. The atlas vertebra lacks protection and support because it has no disc below or above it. When the atlas bone misaligns, the rest of the neck will begin to compensate to maintain the head balanced in a neutral position.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, request our by clicking the image below.
When people use their smartphones too much, there is the risk of putting your neck at risk. Can you imagine how? Looking down at the phone or tablet would require the neck to repeatedly get stuck in the same awkward position and prolonged periods. Craning your neck down too long can be bad for your posture. It would increase the weight placed on your neck to hold the head up properly. Therefore, if you look down at your device at a 45-degree angle, the neck’s load becomes heavier by almost 50 pounds. It means the neck is carrying more pressure than the neck is supposed to endure!
If you keep your neck and head in this awkward and unnatural position for prolonged periods repeatedly, it will cause injury, stress, and pressure to the neck later on. As a result, neck pain may be the most evident symptom of technology overuse. However, more conditions may develop in connection with tech neck:
Inflammation or neck pain will also impact your blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, overall health, and neurological function. When these occur, the onset of headaches and migraines are not far behind.
The neck is close to your jaw. Meaning, if a misalignment in the neck happens, it would automatically affect the jaw's resting position. Also, if the head cannot balance appropriately over the neck, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) would suffer excess pressure and stress. As a result, it can cause pain, jaw imbalance, and TMJ dysfunction.
Using your computers, smartphones, or other hand-held devices for extended periods can lead to numbness, wrist pain, and tingling. Moreover, the nerves of the neck would extend through the arms, shoulders, and hands. Inflammation of the neck nerves would compound with carpal tunnel syndrome and other similar wrist issues.
As the neck supports a more massive load whenever it tilts forward, the upper back pressure increases and becomes more intense simultaneously.
The rest of the spine would begin to shift to compensate if you would compromise your neck, have bad posture, and sit at work for prolonged periods. Your sciatic nerve and lower back would suffer and become significantly affected as well.
Upper cervical chiropractors can correct any atlas misalignment as they have trained to do so. Atlas misalignment is often the underlying cause of various neck issues and tech neck. If you need a chiropractor for neck pain in Morgantown WV that can provide adequate care, visit Mountain State Wellness. One of upper cervical chiropractors can employ a natural, gentle, and precise technique to get to your personal needs. We directly address the underlying reason for your neck pain through a scientific and highly accurate scientific approach. Email us or call (304) 292-7740 to experience our unique and gentle care.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lucas Watterson or Dr. Amy Watterson call our Morgantown office at 304-244-1817 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
