Neck Pain is Common
Chances are, you've experienced a stiff or sore neck at one time or another. Given the complex mechanics and functions of the neck, it's no wonder that neck pain is so common. This slender stem supports and balances a 10-pound head permitting it to bend up and down and to swivel almost 180 degrees. Through it pass blood vessels, nerves, the esophagus, the trachea, many muscles, ligaments and the cervical spine. All communications from the brain to other parts of the body must pass through the neck.
The Cervical Spine
The seven small spinal bones in the neck, which number C1 to C7, make up the cervical spine. Protected inside these cervical vertebrae is the spinal cord, the major neural pathway from the brain to the rest of the body. An injury to the spinal cord can result in immediate paralysis or death.
The cervical vertebrae are linked to tone another by discs, ligaments, and tendons that allow remakable flexibility. The normal shape of the neck rather than straight, is a gentle curve, called the cervical spine.
Problems With The Neck
Many neck problems, while not lifethreatening, can damage your health if not corrected. A fall or a car accident may cause sudden damage to the neck, or damage may occur slowly through vertebral subluxation, spinal imbalance, physical or emotional stress or poor posture. Damaged or irritated nerves from misaligned cervical vertebrae can cause neck pain. In addition, they also can cause a reduction in the normal range of motion in the neck, as well as pain in the face, shoulder, arm, wrist, hand and fingers.
Headaches, vision disturbances, dizziness, difficulties with concentration or memory, a ringing in the ears, learning impairments, nasal, tongue and throat problems have all been associated with problems traced to the neck.
Injury, irritation, inflammation or infection are all causes of neck pain. The chiropractic approach to treating neck pain is to find the source of the problem and correct it.
Minor Aches And Pains
Many everyday habits or activities can contribute to neck pain. Sleeping in an awkward position, slumping over a desk, overwork, squeezing a telephone between the ear and shoulder, or straining to see over a steering wheel all may cause muscle fatique or strains. Anger, fear or mental stress can cause neck muscles to tighten which, if prolonged, can lead to painful muscle spasms. Tension headaches also frequently follow bouts with neck pain.
Occasional minor stiffness or strain is nothing to worry about. Often it will clear up with a good night's sleep. Learning what causes your neck pain and avoiding it can help prevent this discomfort. Major pain or recurring problems, however, are a signal that something more serious may be wrong. It's a sign that you may need professional care.
Serious Neck Problems
When the discs separating and cushioning the cervical vertebrae are herniated or even ruptured, usually due to trauma, intense pain will follow. In some cases, surgery may be needed. However in many other cases, chiropractic treatment can reduce the pressure on the disc and prevent the need for surgery. For most patients, surgery should be considered only when more conservative treatment fails.
Some natural disc degeneration occurs as we age. However, evidence of disc degeneration even in very young children suggests that stresses such as spinal imbalance, spinal subluxations, injury or emotional trauma cause undue wear and tear on our necks.
The head which is approximately the weight of a bowling ball, is in a normal balanced position atop the slightly forward cervical curve of the neck. When it is carried out of line with the spine or off center, a stress called spinal imbalance results. Muscles supporting this unbalanced weight quickly become fatigued. Spinal imbalance can be both a symptom and a cause of stress on your neck.
Arthritic changes in the spinal bones like spurs (abnormal bony growths), disc degeneration, and muscle or ligament deterioration may change the normal, healthy curve of the neck. Producing bone spurs is one way your body attempts to "splint" or stabilize off-balance vertebrae. Research indicates that chiropractic care can reverse some of these effects of osteoarthritis.
Chiropractic Care For Your Neck
Muscle relaxers, painkillers, and tranquilizers are the standard medical treatment for neck pain. If these medications don't give relief, then more drastic measures like cortisone injections or surgery may be tried.
The chiropractic approach to treating neck pain is to find the source of the neck pain and correcti it. By correcting the source of the problem, the body can heal naturally without nerve interference. Neck pain, often responds dramatically to the restoration of normal spinal function through chiropractic care.
