If you’re among the countless people experiencing neck pain, you know how much it can impact your daily life. Whether it’s turning your head to check your blind spot or simply trying to get a good night’s sleep, neck pain can quickly become more than just a minor inconvenience.
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness in Saskatoon, we see neck pain in patients from all walks of life, and we know just how disruptive it can be. Fortunately, understanding the root cause of your discomfort is the first step toward finding relief.
Here, we’ll explore the three most common causes of neck pain—joint dysfunction, cervical disc injury, and muscle strain—and explain how our chiropractic team can help you on the road to recovery.
1. Joint Dysfunction: Misalignment and Limited Mobility
One of the most common causes of neck pain we encounter is joint dysfunction, specifically within the small joints in your neck called facet joints.
These joints are responsible for providing stability to the spine and enabling smooth movement of the head and neck. However, when these joints become misaligned or restricted, it leads to pain and limited range of motion.
What Causes Joint Dysfunction?
Poor Posture: Hours of looking down at your phone or sitting at a desk can strain these joints.
Repetitive Movements: Sports like weightlifting or CrossFit often involve repetitive movements that can stress the neck.
Lack of Movement: Motion is lotion! If we don’t move frequently, the muscles surrounding joints will stiffen, causing joint dysfunction.
How E3 Chiropractic + Wellness Can Help:
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness in Saskatoon, we address joint dysfunction with targeted chiropractic adjustments that improve mobility and alleviate pain.
Our chiropractors use gentle, controlled techniques to relieve pressure on these joints and restore their natural movement. In addition, we work with patients to create personalized wellness plans that include postural exercises and ergonomic recommendations, so you can reduce the strain on your neck even when you’re not at our clinic.
2. Cervical Disc Injury: Bulging or Herniated Discs
Another leading cause of neck pain is a cervical disc injury, which refers to damage to the discs located between the vertebrae in the neck.
These discs act as cushions, absorbing shock and allowing the spine to flex and bend. When a disc is damaged, it can either bulge or herniate, pressing on nearby nerves and causing intense pain, tingling, or even numbness.
What Causes Cervical Disc Injury?
Sudden Trauma: Car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can all lead to disc injuries.
Heavy Lifting: Poor lifting technique in weightlifting or everyday activities can put extra strain on the neck.
Repetitive Movements Over Time: Performing repetitive motions incorrectly for years can put additional stress on certain areas of the neck, which can lead to an injury.
Signs You May Have a Disc Injury: If you experience sharp, radiating pain that extends down your arm, numbness, or tingling in your fingers, a cervical disc injury may be to blame. Neck stiffness and persistent pain are also common.
How E3 Chiropractic + Wellness Can Help:
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we are experienced in assessing and treating cervical disc injuries. Using non-invasive techniques, we’ll assess your spinal health and determine if a disc injury is causing your pain.
We can use a variety of different treatment tools such as The McKenzie Method of Diagnosis and Treatment, Neurodynamics, Chiropractic adjustments, and soft tissue therapy to relieve pressure on the affected disc, reduce inflammation, and restore function.
By restoring your neck’s mobility and improving your posture, we can help alleviate the pain and prevent further injury.
3. Muscle Strain: Overworked or Tensed Muscles
Muscle strain is another common culprit of neck pain, often caused by overuse, stress, or poor posture. When neck muscles are overworked, they can become tense, tight, and sore, leading to pain that’s typically more diffuse than that caused by joint or disc issues.
What Causes Muscle Strain?
Tech Neck: Constantly looking down at phones and computers can create tension in the neck muscles.
Physical Activity: Repetitive motions in exercises like running, biking, or swimming can strain the muscles, especially if you don’t take the time to stretch and warm up properly.
Stress: Emotional stress can lead to tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles, often resulting in tension headaches.
Symptoms of Muscle Strain: Muscle strain in the neck typically causes soreness and tightness, especially when trying to turn or tilt your head. In some cases, you may feel a dull ache that radiates to your shoulders or upper back.
How E3 Chiropractic + Wellness Can Help:
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, our team provides a range of therapies tailored to alleviate muscle strain. Chiropractic adjustments can help release tension, while soft tissue therapy and myofascial release target tight muscles directly, promoting relaxation and restoring movement.
We also emphasize the importance of a balanced wellness routine, recommending exercises and stretches you can do at home to prevent future strain. By addressing both the physical and lifestyle factors contributing to muscle strain, we offer a comprehensive approach to long-term pain relief.
Why Choose E3 Chiropractic + Wellness in Saskatoon?
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, our mission is to help Saskatoon residents achieve pain-free, active lives. With our holistic approach to chiropractic care, we don’t just treat symptoms; we aim to uncover the root cause of your discomfort and empower you with the tools to stay pain-free.
Our team of highly skilled chiropractors specializes in treating active adults who want to maintain a high quality of life without being sidelined by neck pain.
Our services go beyond adjustments, offering customized treatment plans that may include lifestyle advice, rehabilitation exercises, and ergonomic tips tailored to your unique needs. From athletes to desk workers, we provide care that’s as dynamic as the lifestyles of our patients.
Your Path to a Pain-Free Neck Starts Here
Don’t let neck pain keep you from enjoying the activities you love. Whether you’re dealing with joint dysfunction, a cervical disc injury, or muscle strain, E3 Chiropractic + Wellness in Saskatoon is here to help. By addressing the root causes of your pain, we can work together to improve your quality of life and keep you moving.
Ready to take the first step toward relief?
Click HERE to schedule a Free Discovery Call with us at E3 Chiropractic + Wellness—we look forward to helping you rediscover life without neck pain!
