Who This Blog Is For: Anyone in Farmington — from Novi to Northville, from the daily Southfield commute corridor to the families already mapping out their first Up North trip of the season — who has quietly noticed that neck pain after long drives has become part of the ritual. You stretch it out, sleep it off, and wait for it to pass. And it does — until the next time.
Does your neck feel fine all week, then lock up the moment you spend a few hours in the car? Do you find yourself dreading the drive home from Traverse City almost as much as you looked forward to the trip itself — because you know what's coming the next morning? And has this been happening long enough that you've started calling it normal?
With Michigan's summer season just around the corner — the Mackinac trips, the Sleeping Bear weekends, the long hauls Up North on US-131 — this is the time of year when a lot of Farmington-area families start noticing that neck pain and car rides have become an unwelcome package deal.
The thing is, neck pain after long drives is common. But common does not mean inevitable, and it certainly does not mean it is something you should keep waiting out. When the pain comes back reliably — every trip, every long commute on I-696, every afternoon at a desk that runs too long — it is worth asking whether something structural is driving the pattern. That is exactly what this blog is for.
Quick Answer: Neck pain after long drives is often more than muscle fatigue. When the atlas vertebra—the topmost bone in the spine—is even slightly out of position, surrounding muscles must work overtime to compensate during sustained sitting. Long drives don't actually cause the problem; they simply reveal a structural imbalance that was already there.
When an activity causes pain, the standard solution is simple: avoid it. But when an activity reveals an existing imbalance, avoidance only delays the conversation your body is trying to start.
For many people in Farmington, the long drive up to Traverse City or the Friday afternoon commute down to Southfield isn't what breaks the body—it is simply the trigger that surfaces the tension your spine has been quietly managing all week.
The atlas sits right at the base of the skull, acting as the foundation that governs how the rest of the cervical spine functions.
When it shifts even a few millimeters out of its optimal position, the body is forced to compensate. Muscles tighten, posture shifts, and the entire system works harder just to keep your head level. Spending hours locked in a car seat simply pushes that already-overworking system past the threshold where it can stay quiet.
We hear this question often, and there is always a quiet frustration behind it — because people have usually already tried the reasonable things:
The reason the pattern repeats is that the underlying structural condition hasn't changed between trips. When the atlas vertebra is misaligned, the spine compensates to keep the head balanced and level — shifting weight unevenly through the cervical spine, creating asymmetrical muscle tension, and altering the way nerve pathways communicate through that region. Neck stiffness after a car ride is one of the most common ways this compensation pattern announces itself.
The pain easing after a few days is not the problem resolving. It is the body returning to its compensated baseline — which is a different thing entirely. Then the next drive, the next long afternoon at a desk near Novi or Northville, the next hour on I-696, pushes it back over the edge again. The cycle continues not because you are doing something wrong, but because the structural foundation hasn't been evaluated.
Sustained sitting — whether in a car seat on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes or at a desk in a Southfield office — places the cervical spine in a position it was not designed to hold for hours at a stretch.
The head weighs roughly ten to twelve pounds, and the muscles and structures of the neck are continuously working to support it. When posture shifts forward, as it naturally does during long drives and desk work, that load increases significantly.
For someone without an underlying structural vulnerability, chronic neck pain after sitting is still a real and uncomfortable experience. For someone whose atlas is not sitting in its optimal position, that same sustained posture becomes a reliable trigger — because the compensation the spine is already managing gets amplified the moment fatigue sets in.
Choosing common options like massage, stretching, over-the-counter pain relievers, or general chiropractic care is a completely logical approach to neck discomfort. Each of these tools addresses a critical piece of the puzzle. Muscle tension and inflammation are very real challenges, and managing that discomfort while you look at the bigger picture is a practical, supportive step for your body.
What upper cervical care for neck pain offers is a different question: not "how do we reduce what you're feeling right now" but "why does this keep coming back at all."
The approach Dr. Christopher Perkins uses at Premier Family Wellness focuses specifically on the atlas and axis — the top two vertebrae of the spine — and their relationship to the rest of the cervical structure.
Through precise imaging and measurement, our team assesses whether a misalignment in that region is creating the compensation pattern behind your symptoms. The correction, when indicated, is gentle and specific — not a general adjustment, but a targeted input designed to allow the spine to return to a more balanced position.
The goal is not to manage the pain after every trip. The goal is to change what the drive reveals.
Summer in Michigan is not a small thing. And if neck pain after long drives has quietly become part of how you experience it — something you manage around rather than something you've addressed — we want you to know there is another option.
Dr. Perkins and our team at Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care invite you to schedule a consultation to find out whether upper cervical care is a good fit for what you're experiencing.
We will take the time to understand your history, assess your spine with precision imaging, and give you an honest picture of whether a structural foundation is behind the pattern you've been living with.
Get in touch with our Farmington chiropractic office to schedule your consultation.
Your consultation is the first step toward finding out whether upper cervical care for neck pain is the right path forward for you.
Why does my neck pain always seem to peak a day or two after the drive rather than immediately?
This delayed onset is one of the patterns we hear about most often, and it makes sense when you understand what is happening structurally. During the drive, the muscles are actively engaged and compensating. It is after the sustained effort ends — when the muscles begin to release — that the underlying tension and inflammation surface fully. The delay does not mean the drive was not the trigger. It simply means the body's response cycle takes time to complete.
How long is too long to wait before having this kind of recurring neck pain evaluated?
There is no strict timeline, but a useful threshold is this: if neck pain after long drives has been repeating consistently across multiple trips or months, and if it eases between triggers but never fully resolves, that pattern is telling you something. The longer a structural compensation pattern runs unaddressed, the more the surrounding muscles and tissues adapt around it — which can make the eventual correction process longer. Sooner is generally better than later.
Can the neck pain I get after long drives be connected to the headaches I sometimes get after trips?
This is a connection worth exploring. The atlas region has a close anatomical relationship with the structures that influence head and neck pain patterns. When the atlas is misaligned and the surrounding muscles are compensating, referred discomfort into the head is a common secondary experience. Many patients who come to our team primarily for neck stiffness after car rides report that headache patterns also shift over the course of care — though individual results vary and we never make guarantees about specific outcomes.
I have just learned to push through the pain after every trip. Is that approach doing any harm?
We understand why people do this — the pain is manageable, life is busy, and it always eases up eventually. But pushing through is not the same as addressing the underlying pattern. When the body is compensating around an atlas misalignment, the surrounding muscles, joints, and nerve pathways are working harder than they should over time.
That sustained compensation can contribute to cumulative wear on the cervical spine that becomes more complex to address the longer it runs. Pushing through is a reasonable short-term response. It is not a long-term strategy.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Reading Time: 8–9 minutes | Who This Guide Is For: This guide is for adults in Farmington and nearby Michigan communities whose neck pain has gone from an occasional nuisance to something that affects daily life—sleep, work, driving, exercise, or peace of mind. If you’re looking for clarity about why your neck hurts, what actually helps, and how to choose care that fits your needs, this guide is for you.
Neck pain rarely announces itself as a major problem on day one. It often starts quietly: stiffness when you wake up, a dull ache after work, or tension that creeps into your shoulders. Over time, it can change how you move, how you sleep, and how much energy you have for the things that matter.
Many people tell us the hardest part isn’t just the pain—it’s the uncertainty. Why is this still here? Why does it flare up without warning? Is this just part of getting older? Is it possible to unlock lasting neck pain relief in Farmington?
If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone.
Neck pain can linger for many reasons, and often it’s not just one factor. Common contributors include:
Because the neck supports the head and closely interacts with the nervous system, small issues can have outsized effects—sometimes showing up as headaches, dizziness, or upper back tension.
Rest, stretching, or occasional relief measures can help calm symptoms, but they don’t always resolve the underlying cause. If alignment, movement patterns, or neurological stress remain unaddressed, the body continues to compensate—leading to cycles of relief and flare-ups.
Understanding why your neck is under strain is often the turning point between short-term relief and longer-term improvement.
Our neck pain chiropractor in Farmington, Dr. Christopher Perkins focuses on the upper cervical spine—the top of the neck that plays a key role in posture, balance, and nervous system communication.
This area includes the atlas (C1), a small vertebra that supports the head. When alignment here is compromised, the body may adapt with muscle tension, restricted movement, and altered biomechanics throughout the spine. Over time, these adaptations can contribute to persistent neck pain and related symptoms.
Upper cervical care doesn’t aim to chase pain. It aims to evaluate how well the neck is supporting the body overall—and whether that support is creating unnecessary strain.
Patients often describe upper cervical care as different because it’s:
This approach resonates with people who want answers, not guesswork—and who value care that listens first.
While professional evaluation matters, there are supportive steps you can take alongside care:
These steps don’t replace care—but they can reduce daily strain.
Living in Farmington means balancing busy schedules, commutes, family commitments, and day-to-day stress. When neck pain enters the picture, it can quietly limit how you show up for all of it.
Upper cervical care in Farmington offers continuity and familiarity—no long drives, no starting over each visit. Many patients value having a provider who understands the pace of the community and takes time to know their story.
A comprehensive neck pain evaluation should feel collaborative. It typically includes:
You should leave with clarity—not pressure—about whether an approach makes sense for you.
It may be time to seek a deeper evaluation if your neck pain:
A consultation can help determine whether upper cervical care could be a helpful part of your plan.
Neck pain doesn’t have to define your days. Relief often begins with understanding—of your body, your patterns, and your options.
If you’re ready to explore a careful, individualized approach, a consultation with Dr. Christopher Perkins at Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care can help you decide your next step with confidence. The goal isn’t just less pain—it’s getting back to living with fewer limitations and more ease.
If neck pain has been running your life, it may be time to take it back—starting with a conversation centered on you. Book your initial consultation with our Farmington chiropractor for neck pain today!
During sleep or prolonged sitting, reduced movement can allow stiffness and tension to build—especially if alignment or posture issues are already present. Morning pain often reflects how the neck was supported overnight, while sitting-related pain can point to postural strain accumulated throughout the day.
Yes. Neck pain doesn’t always come from a single traumatic event. Small, repeated stresses—like work posture, past minor accidents, or long-term tension—can gradually affect how the neck functions, even if you can’t pinpoint a starting moment.
Fluctuating pain often means the body is compensating. Certain activities, stress levels, or positions may temporarily overload tissues that are already under strain, causing flare-ups that seem to appear “out of nowhere.”
If your neck pain keeps returning, affects sleep or focus, or has started to limit daily activities, it’s often a sign that surface-level solutions aren’t addressing the root contributors. An evaluation can help determine whether alignment or movement patterns are playing a role.
Many people value a provider who listens carefully, explains findings clearly, and takes a precise, individualized approach. Feeling rushed or unclear after visits is often a sign that your concerns aren’t being fully explored.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Do you feel like pain is holding you back? You wake up stiff. Your back aches throughout the day. Your neck feels locked in place. Maybe you’ve learned to live with it, thinking it’s just part of life. But what if there’s a better way?
That’s exactly what Kurt thought—until he discovered Premier Family Wellness and found a path to real relief with Dr. Perkins. For months, Kurt dealt with lower back pain, tingling in his fingers, and stiffness in his neck. The left side of his neck barely moved, and he didn’t realize just how much it was affecting his daily life. He kept pushing through, hoping it would go away on its own. But it didn’t. Learn more about Kurt’s experience and how Upper Cervical Care in Farmington paved the way for improved health.
When Kurt first visited Premier Family Wellness, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He had never considered that his symptoms could be linked to the top two bones in his spine. Dr. Perkins performed a thorough evaluation and explained how misalignments in the upper cervical spine could be restricting his movement, causing nerve interference, and even impacting his posture.
Once he started Upper Cervical Care in Farmington, Kurt felt changes almost immediately. He noticed several things, such as:
Each gentle, precise adjustment helped his body heal naturally, restoring function and balance to his nervous system. For the first time in a long time, Kurt felt in control of his health again.
After six weeks of receiving Farmington chiropractic care, Kurt felt like a new person. The stiffness, tingling, and discomfort that had once been a daily struggle were gone.
“I feel more relaxed. My posture is better. And I can see real improvement.”
But it wasn’t just about relief—it was about knowledge. Kurt finally understood how his spine played a central role in his overall health.
Kurt’s story isn’t unique. Countless others have found relief and renewed confidence through Upper Cervical Chiropractic care.
If you’re struggling with back pain, neck stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms, don’t wait. Let Premier Family Wellness in Farmington help you take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier life.
You don’t have to live with discomfort. Get evaluated by Dr. Perkins and find out if Upper Cervical Chiropractic can help you, just like it helped Kurt.
Schedule your consultation today. Your body deserves this chance to heal!
Yes, tingling in your fingers can often be traced back to a misalignment in your upper cervical spine. When the top two bones in your neck are out of place, they can put pressure on nerves, leading to symptoms like tingling or numbness in your hands. Kurt experienced this and found relief after receiving adjustments.
Many people wait too long to address their pain, thinking it will go away on its own. Upper Cervical Care focuses on correcting spinal misalignments that may be at the root of your discomfort. Kurt was dealing with chronic pain and saw significant relief within just a few weeks. Your situation might be different, but an evaluation with Dr. Perkins can help determine if Farmington chiropractic care is a good fit for you.
While poor posture can contribute to neck stiffness, chronic tightness or reduced mobility can also indicate an underlying spinal misalignment. When the upper cervical spine isn’t positioned correctly, it can lead to muscle tension, reduced range of motion, and even headaches. Kurt’s stiffness improved significantly after getting his neck properly aligned.
Results vary from person to person. Some, like Kurt, feel better almost immediately, while others may take a few weeks to notice significant changes. The severity of your misalignment, how long you’ve had symptoms, and your body’s ability to heal all play a role in your recovery.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic care is gentle and does not involve the forceful twisting or cracking that some people associate with chiropractic adjustments. Our Farmington chiropractor, Dr. Perkins uses precise, low-impact techniques to realign the spine safely and effectively.
The best way to see if chiropractic care can help you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins at Premier Family Wellness in Farmington. During your visit, you’ll get a thorough evaluation and a customized care plan to help you on your path to relief.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Neck pain and back pain are chronic conditions that affect over 1/3 of Americans by the time they reach their mid-50’s. This can often be due to the fact that the neck has a great range of motion and is responsible for keeping the weight of the head in balance. Therefore, injuries are common, and range of movement can be limited.
Some people report having a stiff or sore neck upon waking up. They may feel it was due to their pillow needing replacing or that they slept in an odd position. This can very likely be the reason. The way one sleeps has a huge impact on how he feels when he wakes up.
The preferred way to sleep is on the back. If one must sleep on his side, a good idea is to put a pillow between the legs to keep pressure off the spine. Sleeping on the stomach is extremely hard on the back and neck. It stresses the joints and tissues in the neck due to the head being on one side or the other for long periods.
The cervical spine is made up of 7 bones. The top two bones, C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) are not like the rest. For one thing, they have no disc to separate them. They also do not have locking joints like the others do. This means that they are more likely to receive injury or misalignment. This is more than likely the reason for neck pain. So what can a person do to ensure that the upper cervical spine is in proper alignment?
Upper cervical chiropractors focus attention on the C1 and C2 bones to make sure that they are in proper alignment. This is done by using a special, gentle technique that allows the bones to move back into the right position.
It is a more natural process than popping and forcing the bones and allows the body’s natural healing properties to take over and repair the damage done. Often, this is all that is needed to help someone cope with neck pain and see it become a thing of the past.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
What exactly is trigeminal neuralgia? It is defined as sudden burning or stabbing pain in the face that is extreme in nature. Many health care providers are unfamiliar with this condition. Therefore, it can be hard to find a way to care for it, leaving the sufferer in extreme pain. About 150,000 people every year are told they have trigeminal neuralgia.
The trigeminal nerve is the nerve that is responsible for providing sensation to the face. One trigeminal nerve runs to the right side of the head, while the other runs to the left side. Each of these nerves has 3 separate branches:
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and trigeminal neuralgia, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
While the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown, there are theories that suggest pressure on the trigeminal nerve causes it to misfire, or it may be due to an abnormally placed artery causing pressure. No matter what the reason, those suffering want to find help. Many are looking for alternative, non-invasive, natural relief, but often do not know where to turn.
One thing that may be causing the trigeminal never to misfire could be a misalignment in the top bone of the neck called the C1 or atlas. The spinal cord sends and receives signals from the trigeminal nerve. If the spinal cord is under pressure due to the atlas bone misaligning, improper signals may cause misfiring of facial nerves.
I have been specifically trained to find upper cervical misalignments and to use a low force adjustment to correct them. Once realigned, nerves can begin functioning properly once again and eventually this may lead to a decrease in the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. Is there proof that this works?
A 58-year-old woman had been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia 6 years before being part of a case study. It was discovered that she did indeed have a misalignment in her upper neck, and she received specific adjustments to that area by an upper cervical chiropractor. By the end of nine weeks of care, she no longer was suffering from any attacks.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Whiplash is a common ailment that causes the neck muscles to overextend. The muscles, tendons, connective tissue, and ligaments in the body support the spine and keep it from collapsing. When a person endures whiplash, the tissue begins to weaken and break down the spine causing it to lock into a position of stress.
The more it stays in this position, the more damage is done to muscles, discs, and joints. These begin to wear down. Therefore, if a person has been in a car accident a long time ago and did not have his whiplash treated properly, he can just now begin to see the effects happening. One such result is degenerative disc disease.
Degenerative disc disease is the wearing down of bones and surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissue. Often this occurs with age, but it is exacerbated by a previous injury. If a person suffered from whiplash, even if it was many years ago, it is important to seek the care of an upper cervical chiropractor.
Success has been seen in relieving patients with degenerative disc disease due to whiplash. When a person experiences whiplash, the C1 and C2 vertebrae often move out of alignment. This area of the neck is able to provide a large range of motion for a person.
However, this does cause it to be more easily damaged. A misalignment here can affect a person’s posture and causes the brain and the body to no longer communicate properly. This leads to a number of different health problems.
I use a gentle, scientific procedure that works along with the body and its natural ability to heal itself. By balancing the head on the spine and realigning the vertebrae, the body can once again begin to operate at its optimum. The long-lasting effects of whiplash may be helped, and a person can continue leading a happy and healthy life.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Whiplash involves pain that no one wants to deal with regardless of the initial cause of the injury. Maybe it was something as simple as the driver behind you checking a text instead of paying attention to the road, and now you have to deal with the consequences, and not just that one day but perhaps for many months and years to come. That is why it is important to seek the proper relief care for whiplash as soon as possible when an injury occurs.
While many just feel like they can “wait out” the pain with bed rest, it is important to stop the damage caused by a whiplash injury from continuing to worsen. Consider the following suggestions for ways to cope with such an injury.
Cold – Ice immediately following an injury is important. This reduces inflammation. Place an ice pack on your neck for 20 to 30 minutes every few hours. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth towel so that it does not touch your skin directly.
Heat – After you have used ice for a few days, you can switch over to heat. Heat improves blood flow. You don’t want to do this until the swelling has gone down, which is why you want only to use ice for a few days before switching to heat.
Cervical Collar – If recommended by your doctor, you may end up wearing a neck brace to keep everything aligned properly. However, this is not always the best way to treat whiplash, so only get such a collar if a doctor suggests it.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic – An upper cervical chiropractor will make gentle adjustments that do not involve any popping or twisting that could further damage neck tissue.
Hyperextension of the neck can lead to many other chronic issues including migraines, vertigo, and various systemic health conditions. To avoid these consequences, seek the assistance of an upper cervical chiropractor. We can correct any misalignments before further damage takes place.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
A person may wake up one morning with neck pain that causes them to wonder what he might have done to cause it. Did you sleep in the wrong position? Did you lift something the day before that is making it hurt now? There can be a number of reasons for neck pain. Let's examine a few activities that may be contributing to it.
Repetitive movement of the neck or one drawn-out movement can cause a person to strain his neck. This comes from overusing or overstretching the neck ligaments, causing what is referred to as a sprain. This may also cause muscle spasms of the neck. How do these come about? The following activities can contribute to this.
If a person does their best to try to avoid these activities, he will have a much better chance of waking up without neck pain. So, what can a person do if they are already dealing with neck pain?
A good place to begin is to make an appointment with an upper cervical chiropractor. We have had much success in relieving our patients with neck pain. It has been proven that a misalignment in the upper part of the neck of only ¼ of a millimeter can cause a multitude of problems throughout the body. It could be the cause of a patient's neck pain. Once we correct this misalignment, a person may be free of neck pain long-term.
References:
https://www.blairchiropracticblog.com/whiplash-its-more-than-a-pain-in-the-neck/
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/neck-pain-cause
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
If the body endures an accident or injury, damage can be done to the connective tissue that consists of the ligaments, muscles, and tendons that keep the spine in place. This weakens this tissue and causes a breakdown of the spine. The spine then locks into a position of stress causing further damage to joints, muscles, and discs. The longer this continues, the more damage is done.
Those of us in the field of upper cervical chiropractic care are very familiar with this situation. We often see patients with spines in this kind of shape. Many times it is due to a vehicle accident that may have occurred recently or may have actually happened as long as fifteen years ago.
Degenerative disc disease is the term applied to this type of breakdown of the bones, ligaments, and discs. It is hard to determine how long it takes for this actually to happen, but often we can determine when the accident has occurred due to the amount of damage to the spine. This can also be referred to as arthritis of the spine. Can this condition be reversed?
It is possible that, through the care of an upper cervical chiropractor, a person can see a reversal of their symptoms. If there is a misalignment as small as ¼ of a millimeter, it can lead to pressure being put on the brainstem. When this happens, the brain and the body no longer communicate properly leading to a variety of health problems. We are specially trained to detect these misalignments using the latest technology. Once they are discovered, we can begin to work to correct them. Once corrected, the brain and the body begin communicating properly, and healing can begin. This will also relieve the pressure being placed on the spine and a person should begin to see a reversal of their symptoms of degenerative disc disease.
References:
The Cervical Spine The Cervical Spine Research Society, Lippincott, 1989 Mason Hohl, MD Professor of Surgery/Orthopedics, UCLA Medical Center Page 440
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
An accident has occurred. No matter what the details are, the fact is that whiplash was the end result. What can a person do to heal quickly from the effects? Are there things that should and should not be done? Let's emphasize the truth of the matter: whiplash will not just go away like the common cold. You must be pro-active in the healing process.
A good thing to begin with is icing your neck area. Cover an ice pack with a thin towel (never place it directly on the skin) and leave it on for no longer than 30 minutes. Do this every 3 – 4 hours for the first three days after the accident.
After a few days of icing your neck, you can begin to use moist heat. Be sure the swelling has gone down before attempting this. A hot shower or bath may also help relieve some of the stiffness.
Neck braces have been found to actually weaken the muscles of the neck. So, be sure to check with your upper cervical chiropractor before you put one on.
Speaking of upper cervical chiropractors, a person will want to have their neck examined by one as soon as possible. They will be able to detect and correct any misalignments caused by the accident. What causes a misalignment in a whiplash victim?
It is called whiplash because the muscles of the neck react much like a whip being cracked. This over-extends the muscles and leads to a misalignment of the upper neck area. This type of misalignment causes such things as headaches, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, vertigo, carpal tunnel, TMJ disorders (problems with the jaw), and more.
By consulting with an upper cervical chiropractor and receiving adjustments under their care, a person may see relief from many of these problems. Whiplash symptoms may ease up or go away altogether once the misalignment in the neck has been corrected.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Neck pain is a common problem, and one that will affect most people at some point in life. Just how common is this health issue? It seems to be catching up to back pain. One in ten persons complains of neck pain and one in twenty describes the pain as debilitating. What causes this condition to occur and what can be done about it?
Pinpointing the source of neck pain presents, at times, a challenge. The intricacy of this region of the body makes discerning the cause difficult. Structures such as the skull, bones, and muscles all work together and house nerves, veins, and arteries. Weight plays a big role in this too. A human head is ten to twelve pounds. Your neck supports that weight. Imagine the balance and control needed within the neck's structure to move, balance, and support the head. If anything is even slightly thrown off, neck pain can follow.
Of course, the vertebrae provide that main pillar on which the entire structure rests. These important bones must be in the correct position. For those who are suffering from neck pain – particularly in cases where it is chronic – the upper cervical part of the spine should be examined, with focus on the C1 vertebra.
What is a relief option for neck pain? Dr. Christopher Perkins of Farmington, Michigan is the expert to seek out for relief. He is an upper cervical chiropractor. As such, he is experienced in isolating the cause of the neck pain and correcting the issue through adjusting the C1 vertebra. Sometimes, relief can come in just one exact adjustment of this one bone. Advanced methods, that have proven research to back their effectiveness, are employed by Dr. Perkins to provide relief for neck pain sufferers.
References:
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Whiplash involves tendon or muscle damage in the neck as the result of an injury or accident. While we may think of trauma as needing to be major in order the cause whiplash, the fact is that it can occur in a minor fender bender at just 5 MPH.
When a person is running, or even walking quickly, they are often moving at speeds of 5 MPH or faster. Thus, you don’t have to be in a car to get whiplash. It can happen while working, playing sports, or while taking part in other forms of recreation.
What can you do if you have experienced whiplash to minimize the symptoms? We are going to discuss three practical ways to keep whiplash from getting you down.
Cold – Applying ice to the pain can help to reduce swelling in the days immediately following the injury. Don’t apply the ice for more than 20 minutes at a time and wait a few hours before applying it again. Also, don’t put the ice directly on your skin. Wrapping an ice pack in a paper towel will protect your skin from damage while you treat the inflammation.
Heat – After you have iced the injury for two to three days, you can use moist heat. At this point, you have done all that you can for the swelling with ice. The heat will now help the flow of blood to go back to normal.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic – An examination can determine if a misalignment has occurred as a result of the accident or injury. Such misalignments can cause chronic conditions if not corrected. An upper cervical chiropractor is specially trained to diagnose and correct such misalignments.
Ice and heat work well on swelling and blood flow, but even the slightest misalignment can result in future issues if not treated. An upper cervical misalignment can cause the flow of cerebral blood and spinal fluid to be reduced. The result is hindered communication between brain and body.
Dr. Christopher Perkins of Farmington, Michigan has been specially trained as an upper cervical chiropractor. Dr. Perkins welcomes you to seek a consultation, even if your whiplash injury occurred a number of years ago, to see if have experience a misalignment.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
To schedule a consultation with our office call our number (248) 780-8864 or click the consultation button below.