The Top Four Reasons Behind Morning Neck Pain

Waking up with neck pain can be a disheartening start to the day. While occasional discomfort might be dismissed as sleeping in an odd position, consistent morning neck pain should not be overlooked. Understanding the reasons behind this ailment can pave the way for effective solutions. Here are the top four reasons why you might be experiencing morning neck pain:

1. Poor Sleeping Position:

• Stomach Sleeping: Lying on your stomach forces your neck to turn to one side for prolonged periods, causing strain on the cervical spine. This position can lead to muscle stiffness and pain upon waking.

• Elevated Shoulders: Sleeping with your shoulders elevated or scrunched up towards your ears can cause tension in the neck muscles.

• Overextension: Using a pillow that's too high can cause the neck to remain flexed overnight. Conversely, a too-flat pillow can lead to neck hyperextension.

2. Inadequate Pillow Support:

• Old or Lumpy Pillows: Over time, pillows lose their shape and support. Sleeping on an old or lumpy pillow can lead to inadequate support, causing strain to the neck muscles and cervical spine.

• Wrong Pillow Type: The best pillow varies from person to person. Side sleepers might need a thicker pillow to keep their neck aligned with the spine, while back sleepers might need a thinner pillow. Ensure you're using the correct type for your sleeping position.

• Memory Foam Concerns: While memory foam pillows can provide excellent support, they can also retain heat, potentially causing muscle inflammation if they become too warm.

3. Underlying Medical Conditions:

• Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition involves the gradual wear and tear of the cervical discs, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck.

• Cervical Osteoarthritis: Also known as neck arthritis, this condition can cause pain and stiffness, particularly after a night's rest.

• Cervical Spondylosis: Age-related changes in the bones and discs of the neck can lead to this chronic condition, resulting in morning discomfort.

4. External Factors and Habits:

• Stress: Physical manifestations of stress often target the neck and shoulders. Chronic stress can cause muscle tension, leading to stiffness and pain.

• Screen Time: Prolonged periods looking down at phones or tablets, or even poor posture while using a computer, can strain the neck.

• Physical Activities: Engaging in unfamiliar physical activities or exercising without a proper warm-up can strain the neck muscles, leading to pain the next morning.

Morning neck pain can range from a minor annoyance to a significant hindrance in daily activities. Recognizing its root causes is essential for targeted treatment and prevention. Adjustments in sleeping habits, investing in the right pillow, managing stress, and being mindful of screen time can go a long way in alleviating this discomfort. If the pain persists, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical conditions.

How Dr. Gordon Elder Treats Neck Pain 

At Blair Chiropractic Clinic, we take a holistic approach to neck pain, focusing on identifying and rectifying its root causes using the cutting-edge Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Dr. Gordon Elder, our Blair chiropractic specialist, utilizes the latest diagnostic tools and works to adjust the mispositioned upper cervical vertebrae, which not only alleviates symptoms but also harnesses the body's natural ability to heal.

Dr. Gordon Elder adopts a systematic two-tiered methodology for neck pain remediation. Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment of your spinal health, spearheaded by Dr. Elder. This initial 25-30 minute session allows him to determine the presence of any misalignments in the upper cervical area and subsequently chalk out a tailored treatment blueprint.

If a misalignment is discerned, Dr. Elder transitions to the diagnostic phase, employing sophisticated 3-D imaging modalities to meticulously analyze the upper cervical region and spot the precise misalignment epicenter. This stage also provides patients an opportunity to understand the findings and address any queries to Dr. Elder.

Dr. Elder administers gentle, targeted adjustments centered on the misalignment. The goal here is twofold: restoring the upper cervical spine's natural equilibrium and igniting the body's intrinsic recuperative processes.

Following the initial adjustment, we advise patients to partake in regular follow-up sessions. These sessions, which wane in frequency over three months, ensure optimal outcomes. Typically, within a span of 3-5 months, a patient undergoes between 10 and 15 consultations with Dr. Elder.

If you are waking up with neck pain and it is getting in the way of your daily life, contact Blair Chiropractic Clinic to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gordon Elder. Located in the heart of Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also extends its services to denizens of Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and even Hobbs in New Mexico. Don't let neck pain dampen your life; seek the relief you deserve.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Recognizing the Indicators of a Misaligned Spine

The spine is a critical component of the human body, serving as the central support structure and housing the spinal cord, which is an essential part of the nervous system. Given its importance, maintaining the spine's proper alignment is vital for overall health and wellness. A misaligned spine, often referred to as a subluxation, can cause various problems, ranging from physical discomfort to more severe health complications. Recognizing the indicators of a misaligned spine is the first step in seeking appropriate treatment.

Visual Indications

• Asymmetrical Shoulders: One shoulder might appear higher than the other.

• Uneven Hips: One hip may seem higher or more forward than the other.

• Head Tilt: The head might tilt to one side, even when trying to stand straight.

• Prominent Shoulder Blade: One shoulder blade may stick out more than the other.

• Curved Spine: From the back, the spine may curve to the left or right, rather than running straight down the middle.

Physical Discomfort

• Back Pain: One of the most common symptoms, ranging from dull aches to sharp pains.

• Neck Pain: Discomfort or stiffness in the neck region, especially when turning the head.

• Headaches: Tension headaches can originate from neck tension due to misalignment.

• Muscle Spasm: Muscles may spasm or twitch, particularly in the back.

• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty turning the head or moving the back in certain directions.

Functional Disturbances

• Difficulty Walking: An irregular gait or a limp can be an indicator of spinal misalignment.

• Balance Issues: Difficulty maintaining balance or feeling unstable while standing or walking.

• Altered Posture: An inclination to lean forward, backward, or to the side when standing up straight.

Other Symptoms

• Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of pins and needles, particularly in the extremities.

• Weakness: Muscles may feel weaker, particularly in the arms or legs.

• Fatigue: Feeling tired or drained, even after a full night's sleep.

• Reduced Reflexes: A decrease in the reflex response in arms or legs.

Systemic Issues

Misaligned vertebrae, especially in the upper neck, can affect blood flow to the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to:

• Dizziness or Vertigo: A feeling of spinning or loss of balance.

• Digestive Issues: Problems such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

• Visual or Auditory Disturbances: Blurred vision or ringing in the ears.

Causes of Spinal Misalignment

Several factors can lead to a misaligned spine:

• Accidents or falls

• Poor posture

• Repetitive strain

• Congenital deformities

• Degenerative diseases

Recognizing the indicators of a misaligned spine is crucial for early intervention. If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a chiropractor. They can provide a precise diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments. Taking proactive steps can help mitigate complications and enhance the quality of life.

How We Treat A Spinal Misalignment

Addressing spinal misalignments necessitates the skillset of a seasoned chiropractor. At Blair Chiropractic Clinic, our leading expert, Dr. Gordon Elder, specializes in upper cervical chiropractic care. He has consistently achieved positive outcomes by employing the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This method stands out for its gentle and non-intrusive nature, emphasizing the revitalization of the body's inherent healing processes and subtly rectifying upper cervical spine misalignments.

Your journey to spinal health with Dr. Elder kicks off with a concise 25-30-minute assessment. In this window, he evaluates the condition of your spine to ascertain any potential misalignment. A combination of hands-on examination methods and state-of-the-art 3-D imaging equipment aids this assessment. Post-evaluation, patients are presented with a detailed spinal health analysis and the chance to discuss potential treatment pathways with Dr. Elder.

Should any misalignment be pinpointed, Dr. Elder will meticulously work on realigning the affected vertebrae. This is achieved through methodical, low-intensity chiropractic adjustments that gently guide the vertebrae back to their original stance, alleviating strain and addressing any irregular spinal curvature.

For newcomers to our clinic, we advocate for regular follow-ups with Dr. Elder over an initial period of 3-5 months. This ensures the spine's consistent health and alignment. On average, achieving durable and enduring results calls for 10 to 15 sessions with Dr. Elder.

For those seeking a holistic remedy for spinal misalignment, Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, is your go-to destination. Aside from Lubbock, Dr. Elder extends his expertise to Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso within Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico. Book your appointment to embark on your journey to spinal wellness.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Can A Misaligned Spine Impede Your Strength?

Do you ever feel like your strength is sapped too quickly, or that you just feel weak? Do you feel like your performance is suffering in physical activities, or you're having a harder and harder time keeping up with your daily activities?

There can be a lot of things behind a lack of strength. Perhaps you can eat better, or perhaps you need more sleep. Perhaps you're not getting enough exercise, or perhaps it's just natural aging. 

One thing you may not have thought of is this: your low strength may be due to a misalignment of your spine. 

How Muscles Work

Sarcomeres are individual muscle fibers that produce tension. These fibers are responsible for contracting your muscles. When your muscles are at resting length they produce the most tension. The filaments act like pullies to help the muscle generate more strength.

The muscles attach to the back of the spine and the pelvis. They rely on the spine being straight and symmetrical so this pulley system can work.

When the spine is misaligned and the musculoskeletal system is thrown off-balance, muscles on one side are shorter and muscles on the other side are longer. When this imbalance occurs, muscles cannot achieve resting length and cannot then generate maximum strength.

When your strength is decreased, your performance will be impacted.  

The Role Nerves Play

When the spine is misaligned, nerves may be pinched or compressed. This causes even more problems as it impedes the flow of nerve signals between the muscles and the brain. Muscles will not be able to function optimally if they cannot effectively communicate with the brain. This can further decrease your strength.

How  a Chiropractor Can Help

 Chiropractors are doctors who can restore the alignment of the spine. This allows the nerve signals to flow unimpeded, and balance is achieved so the muscles can reach resting length. Once this is achieved, you will notice a difference in your performance and will be at your strongest. 

Since the upper cervical spine is the most vulnerable part of the spine, most misalignments begin there. When the vertebrae in the upper cervical area are misaligned, it causes a domino effect down the rest of the spine. 

Let Us Help You Improve Your Performance

Dr. Gordon Elder of Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas is a practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This elite technique is an upper cervical specialty that involves the use of high-level technology and modern manual methods. 

Dr. Elder is a Blair practitioner using state-of-the-art 3D diagnostic imaging tools to examine patients. This enables him to better visualize the spine and calculate your unique anatomy. 

Dr. Elder's three-step plan starts with the screening so he can assess the problem. The next step involves low-force corrections applied expertly with precision to bring the spine gently back into proper alignment. The final step is preventative care—Dr. Elder recommends regular chiropractic check-ups to keep your spine properly aligned and prevent problems from developing. 

Chiropractic patients will attest to how well the body is able to function once the spine is in its naturally aligned state. This is a natural, safe, and effective option to keep you on top of your game. Call Dr. Elder for an appointment to see how he can help you. The doctor's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico. 

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.