Neck Pain Treatment in Lighthouse Point, FL

Neck pain has become one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints in modern life — a combination of posture-driven degeneration, accident injuries, and the cumulative toll of screen-heavy work and lifestyle. At McNamara Chiropractic Center in Lighthouse Point, Dr. Carol McNamara Krauss has treated neck pain in its many forms since 1986.

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Common Causes of Neck Pain

Whiplash and auto accident injury Rear-end and side-impact collisions are the classic mechanism. The rapid acceleration-deceleration forces injure cervical discs, facet joints, and supporting ligaments. Symptoms may not peak until 24–72 hours post-accident. See auto accident injury care if your neck pain follows a crash.

Cervical disc herniation Disc material pressing on cervical nerve roots produces neck pain with radiation into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Numbness, tingling, and weakness in specific finger distributions help identify which disc level is involved.

Degenerative cervical disc disease Age-related disc height loss and facet joint arthrosis in the cervical spine. Produces chronic neck stiffness, reduced range of motion, and periodic pain flares.

"Tech neck" / forward head posture For every inch the head shifts forward from neutral, the effective load on the cervical spine increases significantly. Years of phone and computer use create chronic mechanical overload on the lower cervical discs and paraspinal musculature.

Cervicogenic headaches Headaches originating from cervical dysfunction — often starting at the base of the skull and radiating toward the forehead or temples. Often misdiagnosed as tension or migraine headaches.

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How Dr. McNamara Treats Neck Pain

Chiropractic cervical adjustment Specific cervical spine manipulation restores joint mobility, reduces facet irritation, and normalizes segmental function. For mechanical neck pain and cervicogenic headaches, this is often the most direct and effective treatment.

Cervical decompression (Antalgic-Trac®) The Spinal Decompression Program can be configured for cervical presentations — applying distraction force to reduce disc pressure at specific cervical levels. Particularly effective for cervical disc herniation with arm symptoms.

Class IV laser Laser therapy reduces inflammation in the disc and facet joints, relaxes paraspinal muscle spasm, and accelerates soft tissue healing in whiplash injuries.

Shockwave therapy Addresses chronic soft tissue involvement, trigger points in the upper trapezius and cervical extensors, and paraspinal structures that contribute to chronic neck pain.

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FAQs

Is neck cracking (manipulation) safe? Cervical manipulation performed by a qualified chiropractic physician is safe and effective for neck pain. Dr. McNamara has been performing cervical adjustments for nearly 40 years. The risk profile is well within what evidence supports for appropriate patients.

What if my neck pain includes arm numbness? Arm symptoms suggest cervical nerve root involvement — typically from disc herniation or foraminal stenosis. This warrants imaging (MRI) and consideration of the decompression protocol. Call for evaluation.

Can you treat whiplash from a car accident? Yes — this is a significant part of our practice. We accept PIP insurance. See auto accident injury.

How do I schedule? Call (954) 943-1100 or contact us online. We're at 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.