Did you know that your upper cervical health has loads to do with the quality of your life? Neck pain can be due to many different things, but it’s important to know what kind of pain you are experiencing and what caused it so you’ll know if what you’re experiencing is normal with its healing process or if extra effort is required in your part to fully address it.

What are the common causes of neck pain?

The most common reasons for neck pain are:

• Tension headaches are head pains caused by tightness in the shoulders and neck. The pain from these headaches can radiate to other parts of the head, like your temples and jaw.
• Neck pain can also come from arthritis, a herniated disc in your spine (which can put pressure on nerves), or an injury (like whiplash).
• Stress can cause muscle tension in your neck and shoulders, leading to chronic pain.
• Poor posture is also a major cause of neck pain as well as headaches—especially if you're spending hours at a desk without taking breaks!
• If you have a family history of joint diseases (like lupus) and arthritis, those conditions could be causing your pain as well! 

If the cause of your neck pain is any of these, it should heal on its own in a couple of days, without any need for a doctor’s intervention. 

What are the signs that you should take your neck pain seriously?

Neck pain is something that many people experience at some point. However, there are times when you should be alarmed about your neck pain. If the pain is severe enough to limit your ability to move or function normally, this is an obvious sign that you need urgent medical attention. There are several other situations where you should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible: 

• If you have any weakness in your arms or legs related to neck pain.
• If you have tingling or numbness in one arm or leg due to neck pain.
• If you have trouble breathing due to the stiffness in your chest muscles due to the pain in your upper back area. This can happen when there is a herniated disc pressing against nerves.
• If you have a significant change in vision or hearing (blurred vision, ringing in ears).
• If you have trouble swallowing or breathing.

What conditions can lead to lingering neck pain?

If you have been experiencing neck pain for some time now, and it just doesn't seem to be getting any better, it could be that there's more to it than you thought. You may have tried different treatments, but they haven't been effective. You may even be considering surgery, but you don't want to go through with that if there are other options available.This is when you should consult a doctor about whether or not you have a condition related to your neck pain. Many conditions can cause chronic neck pain, including:

• Osteoarthritis of the spine (spondylosis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tumors in the spine or brainstem region
• Postural imbalances in the topmost portion of the spine
• Muscle spasms from trauma, or poor posture 

Where to find a credible upper cervical chiropractor?

Are you looking for a legit and experienced upper cervical chiropractor in your area? We've got you covered!By visiting the Upper Cervical Awareness, you can use our Find-a-Doctor tool! This tool is designed to help you find the right doctor, whether you're looking for someone who specializes in pain management or someone who can help with your neck pain.If you're having trouble finding a doctor that fits your needs, try searching by location, specialty, or even condition.

to schedule a consultation today.