Injuries to the neck, head and shoulder region are far too common. Some symptoms of pains in these areas are often caused by other insinuating circumstances, however in the case of neck pain in Chicago in an athlete, it is all far too often due to a collision. Athletes take good care of their bodies while at the same time they can be brutal in pushing them past the limits of what is healthy. For some team players a punch to the head or a tackle to the ground could mean a lifetime of pain if not handled properly.
The spinal cord in the neck is made up of seven bones like cartilage discs that have a soft cushioning surrounding each disc to help absorb shocks to this area. There are also muscles and band like tissues that keep the head and back aligned while keeping the neck flexible. The head on average weighs in at about ten pounds and that can be a lot of weight to carry on just a few little discs, especially after an injury.
Most injuries can heal after a few days of restrained movement. Ice packs help in intervals of 15 minutes ever hour to reduce swelling. There are also over the counter medications such as aspirin or Motrin to reduce swelling but if none of these reduce the pain and there are other signs of serious injury you should consult with your doctor right away. Severe pain in the head, neck or shoulders, pain to other extremities like the arms and legs, numbness or tingling and a bladder control problem are all signs of serious injury that should be followed up with an MRI from your doctor as soon as possible.
Sports injuries are common and so are the ways that a chiropractor or other sports injury doctor will recommend treatments for neck pain in Chicago. Most of these exercises help with ease of movement and in keeping the neck vertebrae as flexible as possible. Keeping the discs and the cushions around the discs in top condition will help to absorb hits that sports players are accustomed to taking for the team. Contact Chicago Chiropractor & Sports Injury Centers for more information.
