Neck Pain Care in New Berlin
Most of us only think about our necks when they hurt. If you are looking for a neck pain chiropractor in New Berlin, you will find a gentle, hands on approach here. At Advantage Chiropractic in New Berlin, Dr. Evan Norum and Dr. Taylor Moore start with a full evaluation, explain what they find in plain language, and use a handheld instrument that does not twist or crack the neck.
This page covers what neck pain is, what causes it, how your first visit works, what helps at home, and which warning signs mean you should see a medical provider first.
Our Neck Pain Chiropractors in New Berlin, WI
How Our Doctors Care for Neck Pain
Many people come in with a stiff, sore or aching neck. Dr. Evan Norum and Dr. Taylor Moore look for the cause of your symptoms rather than only chasing the sore spot, and they explain their findings in straight talk. If we are not the right fit, we will tell you and point you to someone who is.
Care begins with a 54 point neurological and spinal evaluation, which shows how well your brain and body are communicating and where nerve interference may be. From there, corrective care starts with the Torque Release Technique.
The Integrator and how an adjustment feels
Our main method is the Torque Release Technique. Instead of twisting the neck, the doctor uses a handheld instrument called the Integrator to deliver a quick, light impulse. There is no twisting, no pulling and no cracking. Most patients describe it as a light, localized tap, which is why many nervous patients and people in acute pain prefer it. Follow up adjustment visits are typically 5 to 10 minutes.
What Your First Visit Is Like
Your first appointment lasts 30 to 60 minutes and includes the evaluation. You can complete your intake forms online before you arrive, and the new patient page lists what to bring. If X rays are needed, they are taken in the office with high resolution digital imaging. They are taken only if indicated.
The second visit is usually your Report of Findings. The doctors review your exam and X rays with you, tell you what they found, how they can help and how long it should take. Costs are explained up front.
What Neck Pain Is and How It Feels
The neck, or cervical spine, is a stack of seven small bones with discs, joints, muscles and nerves around them. It holds up your head and moves all day, so it is easy to irritate.
Neck pain can feel like a dull ache, a sharp catch when you turn your head, tight muscles across the shoulders, or a stiffness that is worst in the morning. It can also be felt in the shoulder, jaw, head or upper arms. When a nerve is irritated, you may notice pain that travels down one arm, pins and needles in the hand, or a weaker grip.
What Causes Neck Pain
The most common cause is muscle strain or tension from overuse, such as long stretches looking down at a phone or into a monitor, or sleeping with the neck in an awkward position. Stress can also make the neck and shoulder muscles tighten up.
Falls, accidents, whiplash, arthritis, disc problems and a pinched nerve can also be behind it. If your day is spent at a desk, our guide to desk posture has practical setup ideas.
Neck Pain After a Car Crash or Fall
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury from a sudden snap of the head, most often in a car crash, a fall or contact sports. Symptoms can take several hours to start, so neck pain after an accident is worth having checked even if you felt fine at first.
If a condition needs medical care outside our scope, the doctors refer you to the right specialist. The clinic also works with legal and insurance representatives after a motor vehicle accident, and our page on the car accident chiropractor has more detail.
Neck Pain and Headaches
Some headaches begin at the back of the neck and move up toward the head. Tight neck muscles and stiff upper neck joints are a common source of this kind of headache. Read about our approach to migraine and headache relief if headaches are your main concern.
Easing Neck Pain at Home
These simple habits can make you more comfortable between visits.
- Use heat or cold A heat pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel can take the edge off.
- Keep the neck moving Gentle movement usually beats rest, so turn and tilt your head within a comfortable range.
- Check your pillow A low, firm pillow keeps the neck in a neutral position.
- Break up long screen time Standing up and changing position every so often gives the same muscles a break.
- Carry less on one side A heavy bag on one shoulder pulls the neck and upper back out of line.
When to See a Medical Doctor First
Please see a medical doctor first if any of these apply.
- Fever with a headache and stiff neck.
- Severe neck pain after a fall, a crash or other injury.
- Weakness, heaviness, numbness or pins and needles in an arm or leg that is getting worse.
- Severe neck pain that starts suddenly, trouble walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Neck pain that does not improve after a few weeks.
Neck, jaw, shoulder or arm pain together with chest pain or pressure can be a heart attack, so call 911 right away for these heart attack signs or stroke signs. Do not drive yourself.
Neck Pain Chiropractor FAQs
How should I set up my screen and desk to ease neck strain?
Raise the monitor so the top of the screen sits at or just below eye level, about an arm’s length away. Keep your feet flat, your elbows near your sides and your shoulders relaxed. Keep the keyboard close so you are not reaching, and stand or change position every so often.
What kind of pillow and sleeping position is easiest on a sore neck?
Aim to keep your neck in line with your spine. On your back, use a low pillow that supports the curve of your neck. On your side, choose one thick enough to fill the space between your ear and shoulder. Try to avoid stomach sleeping, which holds the neck twisted for hours.
Why does my neck pain make my arm or fingers tingle?
Nerves that branch from the neck travel through the shoulder and arm into the hand. When a neck joint, disc or tight tissue irritates one of those nerves, you can feel tingling, numbness or weakness far from the neck. Tingling that keeps getting worse or comes with weakness needs prompt medical attention.
How do I tell whether a stiff neck is serious?
Get medical care first for a stiff neck with fever and headache, severe pain after a fall or crash, arm or leg weakness or numbness that is getting worse, trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that starts suddenly. Chest pain with neck or arm pain means call 911.
What is tech neck and how does it happen?
Tech neck is the strain that builds from hours of looking down at a phone, tablet or laptop. The head tips forward, so the muscles at the back of the neck and shoulders work harder to hold it up. Over time you may feel stiff, achy and tight between the shoulder blades. Lifting screens to eye level and taking short breaks helps.
Are HSA and FSA dollars accepted for chiropractic care?
Yes. HSA and FSA dollars are accepted at Advantage Chiropractic, so you can use those accounts for your care. Costs are explained up front, so you know what to expect before you begin. If you have a question about your own account, call the office at 262-505-5610.
