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Neck Injury

A neck injury refers to any damage to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs in the cervical spine. Injuries can be sudden—such as whiplash from a car accident—or develop gradually through strain, posture problems, or repetitive stress.

Neck injuries don’t just cause local discomfort. Because the cervical spine connects to the nervous system, even a mild injury can lead to headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain, or tingling in the arms and hands. Without proper care, what begins as a minor strain may progress into chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Common Symptoms of Neck Injuries

Depending on the cause and severity, symptoms may include:

  • Sharp or aching pain in the neck or shoulders
  • Stiffness or difficulty turning the head
  • Headaches or migraines triggered by tension
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands
  • Muscle spasms or tightness in the neck and upper back
  • Dizziness or reduced balance after impact
  • Pain that worsens after sitting, driving, or working at a computer

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

Neck injuries may result from a single trauma or cumulative stress over time. Common causes include:

  • Whiplash — sudden force from auto accidents or falls
  • Sports injuries — contact sports, weightlifting, or repetitive overhead movement
  • Poor posture — forward head position creating long-term strain
  • Repetitive strain — desk work, phone use, or manual labor
  • Degenerative changes — arthritis or disc degeneration making the neck more vulnerable
  • Stress — clenching and tension in the neck and shoulders

How Neck Injuries Are Diagnosed

At Aligned Modern Health, we take a whole-body approach to identifying the true source of your injury. Evaluation may include:

  • A physical exam to test range of motion, alignment, and joint function
  • Neurological testing if numbness or weakness is present
  • Imaging (X-ray or MRI) if disc, fracture, or severe injury is suspected

Our Treatment Approach

Healing a neck injury requires more than pain management. We focus on restoring alignment, mobility, and long-term resilience. Your care plan may include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle, precise corrections to realign vertebrae and reduce nerve pressure.
  • Soft Tissue Therapy & Rehabilitation: Manual therapy and corrective exercises to release tight muscles and rebuild strength.
  • Acupuncture: Eases pain, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate the nervous system after injury.
  • Functional Medicine: Addresses systemic contributors such as inflammation, stress, or poor sleep that can delay healing.
  • Lifestyle Coaching: Ergonomic recommendations and movement guidance to prevent reinjury.

Conditions Commonly Linked to Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are often associated with or mistaken for:

What to Expect From Care

Here’s what recovery looks like with us:

  1. Initial Visit – A provider reviews your history, symptoms, and performs a chiropractic exam.
  2. Diagnostics – Imaging or testing if needed to confirm the extent of the injury.
  3. Personalized Care Plan – Chiropractic, rehab, acupuncture, and functional medicine tailored to your needs.
  4. Ongoing Support – Regular visits to track progress, adapt exercises, and ensure long-term recovery.

Appointments are available in-person at our clinics, with virtual options for functional medicine and nutrition. We accept major insurance, and all services are FSA/HSA eligible.

Is a Neck Injury Affecting You?

Neck injuries don’t have to turn into lasting problems. With the right care, you can recover fully, restore mobility, and prevent chronic pain. Book a visit today and take the first step toward healing your neck injury and protecting your long-term health.

Schedule an Appointment

Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. For immediate assistance, please call 773-598-4387.

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