Dr. James A. Doran, D.C.

Hip joint pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, especially those who are physically active, over 40, or have jobs that involve repetitive motion or prolonged sitting. Whether a dull ache deep in the groin, sharp pain near the outer hip, or discomfort radiating into the buttocks or thigh, this kind of pain can severely limit your mobility and quality of life.

Fortunately, effective and non-invasive treatments like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and dry needling can provide lasting relief. Understanding the source of your hip pain is crucial to determining the right course of action, especially when it comes to distinguishing hip joint issues from sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.

What Is Hip Joint Pain?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum of the pelvis. This allows for a wide range of motion, making it one of the most flexible yet stable joints in the body.

Hip joint pain typically refers to pain that arises from within this joint structure. It may be caused by:
-Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid)
-Labral tears
-Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
-Hip bursitis
-Tendinopathies
-Muscle imbalances
-Repetitive stress or postural problems

However, not all pain in the "hip area" originates in the actual hip joint. That's why accurate assessment is essential.

Differentiating Hip Joint Pain from Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
It's common for people to say they have hip pain when the discomfort is actually coming from another region—especially the sacroiliac joint, which connects the base of the spine (sacrum) to the pelvis.

Characteristics of True Hip Joint (Acetabular) Pain:
-Felt deep in the groin or front of the hip
-Worsens with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a seated position
-May cause stiffness, reduced range of motion, or clicking

Characteristics of SI Joint Pain:
-Typically felt in the buttock, lower back, or just off to one side of the spine
-May radiate down into the thigh but not usually past the knee
-Feels worse when sitting for too long, transitioning between positions, or standing unevenly

A qualified provider, such as a chiropractor, can help you pinpoint the source of your pain through orthopedic testing and a thorough evaluation. Once the source is identified, treatment can be tailored to your specific needs.

Chiropractic Care for Hip Joint Pain
Chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective option for many people dealing with hip joint or SI joint pain. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate the entire musculoskeletal system, identify dysfunctions, and use hands-on techniques to restore alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve movement.

How Chiropractic Helps:

- Joint Adjustments: Gentle manipulation of the spine, SI joint, or even the hip joint itself can improve biomechanics and decrease irritation to surrounding tissues.
- Postural Correction: Many hip issues are caused or worsened by poor posture or pelvic imbalances. Chiropractors can address leg length discrepancies, pelvic tilt, and gait abnormalities.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: Techniques such as myofascial release can reduce tightness in muscles like the piriformis, gluteus medius, or iliopsoas.
- Exercise Prescription: Chiropractors often provide therapeutic exercises that strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones, supporting long-term relief.
- Chiropractic care is especially successful when hip pain is mechanical, caused by joint misalignment, overuse, or muscular imbalances rather than a structural defect like a fracture or advanced arthritis.

Acupuncture for Hip Joint Pain

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and balance energy flow (qi).

In modern terms, acupuncture has been shown to:

-Trigger the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relievers
-Reduce inflammation
-Improve blood circulation to affected tissues
-Modulate the nervous system's pain response
-Conditions that Respond Well to Acupuncture:
-Osteoarthritis of the hip
-Tendinitis or bursitis
-Muscle strains and spasms
-SI joint dysfunction
-Referred pain from the lumbar spine

Patients often report reduced pain and greater ease of movement within a few sessions. When combined with chiropractic adjustments or dry needling, acupuncture can enhance the effectiveness of treatment and speed up recovery.

Dry Needling for Hip Joint Pain
While it may look similar to acupuncture, dry needling is a Western medical technique focused on trigger point therapy. A provider inserts sterile needles directly into tight or knotted muscle fibers, causing them to release, relax, and function normally.

This approach is especially helpful for:
-Piriformis syndrome
-Gluteal trigger points
-Iliopsoas tightness
-Quadratus lumborum (QL) dysfunction
-Referred pain patterns that mimic hip or SI joint pain

Dry needling can:
-Reduce muscle spasms and tension
-Restore normal movement patterns
-Increase flexibility
-Provide rapid pain relief when other methods fall short

It's often integrated into a comprehensive plan alongside chiropractic care and rehab exercises for optimal results.

What to Expect from Treatment
Your first step should be a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed practitioner. Whether you see a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or physical therapist, make sure they perform a detailed history, physical exam, and functional movement assessment.

A well-rounded treatment plan may include:
-Spinal and pelvic adjustments
-Manual therapy for soft tissue release
-Acupuncture or dry needling
-Stretching and strengthening exercises
-Ergonomic and lifestyle advice

Most people see meaningful improvements within a few weeks, especially when they follow through with recommended home care and consistent visits.

When to Seek Help
-You should seek professional care for hip joint pain if:
-Pain lasts more than a few days or keeps returning
-You feel stiffness, locking, or clicking in the joint
-Pain is interfering with your daily activities or sleep
-There is radiation into the thigh or groin
-You've experienced a fall or trauma

It's also worth seeking help before the pain becomes severe. Chronic joint pain often leads to compensation in other parts of the body—causing knee, back, or ankle problems that can be harder to fix down the road.

You Don't Have to Live With Hip Joint Pain
Hip joint pain can disrupt your life—but it doesn't have to define it. Whether your pain stems from the acetabular joint, SI joint, or surrounding muscles and tendons, there are proven, non-invasive treatments that can help you feel better and move more freely.

Chiropractic care, acupuncture, and dry needling offer safe, drug-free solutions that address the root causes of pain—not just the symptoms. They work well alone or as part of a comprehensive care plan, and are most effective when started early.

If you're struggling with hip joint pain, don't wait. Find a qualified chiropractor or provider who offers these treatments and start your path toward healing and recovery.

*Potential Causes of Neck Pain and Stiffness* Neck pain and stiffness are common complaints that can arise from various factors, including: 1. *Poor Posture* Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, or improper sleeping positions can strain the neck muscles. 2. *Muscle Strain and Overuse* Repetitive movements, such as looking down at a phone (tech neck), can overwork the neck muscles. 3. *Whiplash and Trauma* Auto accidents, sports injuries, or falls can cause soft tissue damage, leading to stiffness and pain. 4. *Cervical Disc Degeneration* Age-related wear and tear on the cervical discs can result in conditions like degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. 5. *Pinched Nerves (Cervical Radiculopathy)* Compression of spinal nerves due to herniated discs or bone spurs can cause pain radiating into the arms. 6. *Osteoarthritis and Inflammation* Wear and tear on the cervical joints can lead to arthritis, reducing mobility and causing stiffness. 7. *Stress and Tension* Emotional stress can cause muscle tightening, leading to chronic neck discomfort. 8. *Underlying Health Conditions* Conditions such as fibromyalgia, meningitis, or infections can contribute to persistent neck pain. *How Chiropractic Care Can Provide Relief* As a chiropractor, my approach to relieving neck pain and stiffness involves a combination of evidence-based treatments, including: - *Chiropractic Adjustments* Gentle spinal manipulations help realign the cervical spine, reducing nerve compression and improving mobility. - *Postural Correction & Ergonomic Guidance* Educating patients on proper workstation setup and posture habits to prevent strain. - *Soft Tissue Therapy* Techniques like myofascial release and trigger point therapy help relax tight muscles and improve circulation. - *Acupuncture & Dry Needling* Effective for reducing inflammation and improving muscle function. - *Shockwave Therapy & Cold Laser Therapy* Advanced treatments that promote tissue healing and reduce pain. - *Therapeutic Exercises & Stretches* Strengthening the neck muscles and increasing flexibility to prevent recurring pain. - *Lifestyle Modifications & Stress Management* Teaching patients stress-relieving techniques to minimize muscle tension. *When to Seek Professional Care* If neck pain persists for more than a few days, worsens over time, radiates into the arms, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or headaches, it's definitely time to seek professional care. Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to restore neck function and improve your overall health. Schedule a consultation with a chiropractor for personalized treatment to determine the best approach for your condition.

Lower back pain often stems from muscle strain, poor posture, or conditions like herniated discs or arthritis. Exercises that place excessive strain on the lower back or require poor form can exacerbate these issues. The goal is to engage in movements that promote healing and avoid those that aggravate the injury.

Exercises to Avoid With Lower Back Pain
If you’re experiencing lower back pain, steer clear of the following exercises to prevent further strain:

1. Sit-Ups and Crunches
Why Avoid? These exercises put significant pressure on the spine and can worsen disc-related issues or strain the lower back muscles.

Better Alternative: Try partial crunches or modified planks to strengthen your core without overloading the spine.

2. Heavy Lifting (Deadlifts and Squats)
Why Avoid? Lifting heavy weights, especially with improper form, can compress the spine and exacerbate lower back pain.

Better Alternative: Use bodyweight exercises like glute bridges or focus on lighter resistance exercises under professional guidance.

3. Forward Bends (Toe Touches)
Why Avoid? Repeated bending at the waist can overstretch the ligaments in the spine and strain the lower back muscles.

Better Alternative: Opt for gentle stretches like a seated forward fold with proper support.

4. High-Impact Activities (Running or Jumping)
Why Avoid? High-impact exercises like running or plyometrics can jar the spine and worsen inflammation.

Better Alternative: Choose low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or stationary cycling to stay active.

5. Twisting Movements
Why Avoid? Exercises that involve rapid or excessive twisting, such as Russian twists, can strain the lower back and exacerbate pain.

Better Alternative: Focus on static core exercises, like bird dogs or side planks, to build stability without twisting.

6. Back Extensions
Why Avoid? Overextending the spine, especially with weighted back extensions, can compress the lower back and worsen conditions like spondylolisthesis.

Better Alternative: Incorporate gentle stretches like the cat-cow pose to improve flexibility without added strain.

General Tips for Exercising With Lower Back Pain
Listen to Your Body: If an exercise causes pain, stop immediately. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right.
Warm Up Properly: Always start with light movements to prepare your muscles and joints for activity.
Focus on Posture: Maintaining proper alignment during exercises reduces unnecessary strain on the spine.
Progress Gradually: Avoid sudden increases in intensity or weight, as this can overload the lower back.

When to Seek Professional Guidance
If you’re unsure about which exercises are safe, consulting a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, can be invaluable. Chiropractors can assess your spinal alignment and guide you on safe movements to prevent injury. Additionally, therapies like dry needling can release tight muscles and improve mobility, complementing your exercise routine.

The Path to Recovery
Lower back pain doesn’t have to limit your ability to stay active. By avoiding harmful exercises and focusing on gentle, supportive movements, you can protect your spine and promote healing. Always consult a professional if your pain persists or worsens, and remember: consistency with the right exercises is key to long-term back health.

Maintaining good spinal health is essential for overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with occasional back stiffness or simply looking to prevent discomfort in the future, improving your flexibility and range of motion can make a significant difference. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership—just a few simple stretches, strengthening exercises, and mindful postural habits.

The Importance of Flexibility and Spinal Health
Flexibility and range of motion play a key role in keeping your spine healthy and pain-free. Tight muscles and limited movement can place stress on your vertebrae, leading to discomfort and even injury over time. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce tension, enhance mobility, and support proper spinal alignment.

Simple Stretching Exercises for Spinal Health
Incorporate these stretches into your routine to improve flexibility and spinal health. Perform each exercise gently and avoid pushing through pain.

1. Cat-Cow Stretch
Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
Inhale as you drop your belly towards the floor, lifting your head and tailbone (Cow Pose).
Exhale as you round your back towards the ceiling, tucking your chin and pelvis (Cat Pose).
Repeat 8–10 times to warm up the spine and improve mobility.

2. Seated Forward Fold
Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.
Hinge forward at your hips and reach for your toes, keeping your back as straight as possible.
Hold the stretch for 20–30 seconds to gently release tension in the hamstrings and lower back.

3. Spinal Twist
Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
Cross your right leg over your left, placing your right foot flat on the floor.
Twist your torso to the right, placing your right hand behind you and your left elbow outside your right knee.
Hold for 20–30 seconds on each side to improve spinal rotation and flexibility.

4. Child’s Pose
Kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels.
Extend your arms forward as you lower your chest toward the ground.
Hold for 30 seconds to gently stretch the lower back and shoulders.

Strengthening Exercises for Spinal Support
Strengthening the muscles that support your spine is just as important as stretching. These exercises help maintain proper posture and reduce the risk of injury.

1. Bridge Pose
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
Press into your heels and lift your hips towards the ceiling.
Hold for 5 seconds, then lower back down.
Repeat 10–15 times to strengthen your glutes and lower back.

2. Bird Dog
Start in a tabletop position.
Extend your right arm and left leg simultaneously, keeping your back straight.
Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position.
Repeat 10–12 times on each side to improve balance and core stability.
Postural Habits to Prevent Back Pain
Beyond exercise, maintaining good posture throughout your day is crucial for spinal health. Here are a few tips:

Sit Smart: Choose a chair with good lumbar support, keep your feet flat on the floor, and avoid slouching.

Stand Tall: Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, and avoid locking your knees.
Move Regularly: Avoid staying in one position for too long. Set reminders to stand, stretch, and walk every 30–60 minutes.

How Chiropractic and Dry Needling Can Help
While stretching and strengthening exercises are excellent for spinal health, professional therapies like chiropractic care and dry needling can enhance your results. Chiropractors can identify areas of spinal misalignment and use gentle adjustments to improve mobility and reduce tension. Similarly, dry needling targets trigger points in tight muscles, promoting relaxation and faster recovery from stiffness or pain.

Consistency Is Key
To improve your flexibility and range of motion, consistency is essential. Dedicate just 10–15 minutes daily to stretching and strengthening exercises, and practice mindful posture throughout the day. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or stiffness, consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

Take the first step towards better spinal health today—your body will thank you for it!

When it comes to treating middle back (thoracic) pain, the duration of the actual treatment is quite short, but the number of visits can vary. Obviously, the goal is to provide relief as quickly as possible, but it's important to understand that healing takes time.

First off, it's crucial to pinpoint the cause of your middle back pain. This involves a thorough examination and possibly X-rays. Once we understand what's causing the pain, we can develop a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment for middle back pain can involve a combination of therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic, or dry needling. We often prescribe exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your back, posture correction techniques, and possibly some lifestyle changes.

The duration of your treatment plan can vary from person to person. Some people might find relief relatively quickly, while others may need more time. The cause of your pain (acute vs. chronic) and your lifestyle (desk work vs. heavy lifting) will affect the length of your treatment.

Fortunately, because of the anatomy of the middle back compared to the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar), it typically improves faster than these other conditions. Most of the patients in our office find noticeable relief within two to four visits.
Ultimately, the goal of your treatment should be to alleviate your current pain but also to address the underlying issues to prevent it from coming back in the future. So while the exact timeline for treatment can vary, our focus is always on helping you get back to feeling your best as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Knee arthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Unfortunately, once you have arthritis in your knee (or any joint), it does not go away. However, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of arthritis.

Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, losing weight if necessary, using assistive devices like braces or canes, and certain medications can all help to relieve pain and improve function. In some cases, more advanced treatments like injections or surgery may be recommended.

Some important and often overlooked treatments for knee arthritis are acupuncture, chiropractic, and shockwave therapy. Chiropractic adjustments to the knee and lower back can help slow the progression of arthritis by improving joint function. Acupuncture and shockwave therapy are also helpful for pain relief and reducing inflammation in the joints

As a seasoned chiropractor, I frequently remind patients with herniated discs about the potential harm of certain activities. The activities listed below, if not avoided, can exacerbate your condition and prolong your recovery. It's important to be aware of and avoid these activities if you have a herniated disc: 1. *Heavy Lifting*: Avoid lifting heavy objects, especially with poor posture or using your back muscles instead of your legs. This can strain your spine and worsen the herniation. Whenever lifting anything heavy, keep the object close to your body to limit strain on the spine. The reason for this is that lifting heavy objects with poor posture or using your back muscles can put excessive pressure on the discs in your spine, potentially worsening your herniated disc. 2. *High-Impact Exercises*: Running, jumping, or high-impact aerobics can put excessive pressure on the spine and exacerbate herniated discs. Opt for low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling instead. 3. *Twisting or Jerking Movements*: Avoid sudden jerking or twisting movements, particularly when lifting or reaching. These actions can further compress the discs and aggravate the herniation. Examples include kettlebell exercises, tennis, and golf. Any motion that combines flexion and extension can cause and/or worsen a disc herniation. 4. *Prolonged Periods of Sitting or Standing*: Sitting and standing for extended periods can increase pressure on the spine. To reduce strain on your back, alternate between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day. If you spend long periods on the computer, practicing good office ergonomics is vital. 5. *Bending Forward*: Activities that involve bending forward at the waist, such as picking up objects from the ground with straight legs, gardening, or vacuuming, should be minimized. Instead, bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting. You should also always attempt to keep your feet pointed in the direction you pick up or put down an object. 6. *Poor Posture*: Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and walking to prevent additional stress on the spine. Avoid slouching or hunching over, as this can exacerbate herniated discs. For example, sitting with a rounded back or standing with your shoulders hunched forward are signs of poor posture. 7. *Contact Sports*: Participation in contact sports or activities that involve sudden impacts or collisions should be avoided, as they can increase the risk of further injury to the spine. It's importabt to understand that each person's disc herniation is unique. The severity (grade) and location of the herniation, as well as the age of the patient, all play a role. Therefore, it's not just beneficial, but essential to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or orthopedic specialist. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, including suitable exercises, lifestyle modifications, and treatments. This professional guidance is the cornerstone of managing your herniated disc and promoting healing.

A chiropractor is a great place to start if you've thrown your back out. A chiropractor can access the cause of your pain and if it's not a chiropractic problem, they can refer you to the right provider to address your specific injury. In the meantime, icing the area of pain is typically the best way to begin treating a back or neck injury. If you are also having a lot of muscle tightness or spasms, you can use heat in that area. However, be sure to follow up with ice on the spine nearest to the injury. Heat will help relieve muscle spasms but will also worsen the inflammation in the joints. Muscle tightness is often just the body's way of protecting a joint injury. Using only heat in that area can result in a "rebound effect" that simply worsens the muscle spasm.

The severity of your injury will affect how long it takes to heal. The best way to determine that is with an MRI. This will determine if you have a herniation, bulge, or misalignment. Most soft tissue injuries will heal within 4-6 weeks. A classic symptom of disc herniations is pain radiating down an arm or leg. However, these symptoms can also be caused by a spinal misalignment. If you think you may have a herniated disc, visit an experienced
doctor of chiropractic for an exam and x-rays. The results of these tests will tell your doctor how best to approach your treatment and determine if you need any additional testing.

Chiropractic adjustments to the ankle will help restore motion to fixed joints, relieving ankle pain. A chiropractor will also examine the lower back to determine if your foot and ankle pain is related to a lower back problem. The spinal nerves that exit from the base of the spine travel down the leg and to the foot. In the meantime, icing the ankle and wearing a supportive ankle brace can help to reduce pain and protect against further injury.

Lying on your back or side are the best positions to sleep in. When on your back, it is helpful to place a small pillow under your knees to help relieve pressure from the lower back. When on your side, a pillow between the knees is also helpful. Using the right pillow is also very important. There are many types of cervical support pillows to choose from. If you are a side sleeper, choose a firm pillow that is roughly the same thickness as the space between your ear and the outside of the shoulder. If you are a back sleeper, a pillow that supports the cervical curve (lordosis) is best.

The nerves that exit from the lower back branch out and travel down the leg. When there is pressure on those nerves it can cause pain, numbness, or burning to radiate down the nerve's pathway. Pain radiating down the leg from the lower back is commonly referred to as "sciatica". Icing the lower back and NSAIDS can provide some temporary relief but addressing the cause of the problem is the only thing that will provide long-lasting relief. Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, ice, and physical therapy treatments like electric muscle stimulation and ultrasound are all helpful in treating your injury. When an injury like this occurs, it's best to start with ice on the lower back and if that doesn't provide fast relief, schedule an appointment with your chiropractor to find the true cause of your pain.

Chiropractic adjustments can help speed the healing of any joint injury. The "new and improved" method for treating joint injuries is RAISE. Rest, Adjust, Ice, Stabilize, Elevate. Chiropractic adjustments help mobilize injured joints so that they heal properly. Wrapping a joint and not allowing it to move freely will cause scar tissue to develop, possibly creating a permanent change in your ankle's range of motion (ROM). Of course, your chiropractor should examine the injured ankle and take x-rays (if necessary and they haven't already be done) to make sure your ankle is not broken.

If the rib is truly "dislocated," you should go to an Emergency Room. Fortunately, that is EXTREMELY rare. It is very common for a rib to become "subluxated". This means the joint is stuck and not moving correctly. A chiropractor can find and mobilize these joints. A subluxated rib can be very painful, affecting your ability to work, exercise, and even breathe. Chiropractic adjustments can provide fast relief from rib pain.

The specific exercises needed to correct your posture depend on the particular problems with your posture. Proper "textbook" posture creates a straight line from the ear down through the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. For most people, their posture problems come from an increase in the forward curve (kyphosis) of the thoracic spine. This creates a "hunchback" appearance. To correct this specific problem, the muscles of the upper back should be strengthened, and the chest muscles should be stretched. Poor posture can also be improved by consciously correcting your posture by pulling your shoulders back and tucking your chin. As a reminder, pick a color you see frequently and every time you see this color, correct your posture.

Depending on the cause of the pinched nerve, it can take days, weeks, or even longer. Best case, it is simply some muscle tightness or spasm putting pressure on the nerve. Worst case, it could be a herniated disc requiring surgery. If the pain in the neck is radiating or traveling down the arm or up into the head, schedule a visit with your chiropractor to have it evaluated. In the meantime, ice is the best place to start. Apply it to the area where the pain starts, 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off. Be sure to keep a thin towel or t-shirt between you and the ice pack to prevent any frostbite or skin irritation.

Why does my back crack when I stretch? Every time I stretch my back cracks. Is it normal? Should I see a chiropractor? *The cracking noise you are hearing is from gas and fluid interacting in the small joints that connect the bones (vertebra)* *in the spine together**. Normally, each of the bones in the spine moves a small amount to give us our full range of motion. When one of the bones is stuck (subluxated), the others need to move more to make up for that. That is the "popping" and "snapping" you hear. Those noises also mean that the spine isn't working properly. A chiropractor will find the bones in the spine that aren't moving properly and adjust them.*

Most patients will get some immediate relief after a chiropractic adjustment. Whether your back pain is a chronic problem or the result of a recent injury, it may take several adjustments before seeing any relief.

Medications can work quickly but they are simply masking your problem. Imagine driving down the road and your car makes a funny noise so you turn up the radio. The problem is still there, you just can't hear it. Truly making positive changes in the body takes time. Just like losing weight, straightening your teeth, or getting in shape to run a 10 k.

Give your chiropractor time to work on your problem and follow their directions on icing, stretching, and ergonomics. Even if you don't get relief from the first adjustment, very soon you will notice less pain, increased ROM, and better mobility. Most chiropractic patients present with problems that began weeks or months earlier so they can take time to resolve.

The fall on your bike undoubtedly affected the joints in your neck. With an acute injury, the joints connecting the bones together will swell, and the muscles will tighten to splint the injury. An untreated cervical injury like yours often turns into chronically tight neck muscles and headaches. Left untreated, the pain can begin to radiate into the shoulders, arms, and eventually the hands.

Whoever examined you after your fall was probably focused on the head injury, a potentially more severe problem. Alternating hot and cold on your neck can provide some relief, but to resolve your problem, have the injury evaluated by a chiropractor as they specialize in spinal injuries.

Pressure on nerves in the neck (cervical spine) is the most common cause of radiating arm pain. The lower cervical spinal nerves travel down the arm to the fingers. Try applying ice to the base of the neck when the arm is bothering you. If the ice helps, a chiropractor can help you with your problem.

Chiropractic adjustments restore motion to segments in the spine that are fixed (subluxated). The adjustment removes pressure from the nerves that exit between the vertebrae and relieves nerve pain.