Neck Pains

What causes neck pains?
Neck pain often result from abnormalities in the soft tissues - the muscles, ligaments, and nerves - as well as in bones and joints of the spine. One of the most common causes of neck pain is a subluxation, this is where one or more vertebra become 'jammed' or restricted...the classic stiff neck. Stress and tension also cause many neck pains. Soft tissue injuries and prolonged wear and tear, will usually develop into the arthritis groups. Some pains are referred pains from nearby regions i.e. the upper back, shoulders or arms. In rare cases, infection or tumours may cause neck pain.

Many patients seek chiropractic/osteopathic care for neck pain, because they are specifically trained in the workings of the musculoskeletal system, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems involving the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons.

Chiropractic Approach to neck pains
From the spinal cord comes nerves that feed the neck region (see top Left picture). Also the nerves from the neck area feed down into the arms and hands. (see 2nd left picture) If there is a reduced nerve supply from a muscle spasm or a 'jammed' joint this can give symptoms of numbness, pins and needles and weakness in the arms & wrists.

These same spinal nerves also feed the organ regions of the head (see left picture) Chiropractic treatments help the nerve impulses that flow out of the spinal cord to both the neck and the organs. It provides excellent relief to painful sinus's, headaches sore throats head and arm regions . Improvement is often seen within 3-4 visits.

Common Causes
Neck Sprains and Injuries - Because the neck is so flexible and because it supports the head, (the weight of a 10 pin bowling ball) it is extremely vulnerable to injury. Motor vehicle or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls often result in neck injury. In Australia the mandatary use of seat belts in motor vehicles has helped to prevent and minimize injury. A "rear end" automobile collision may result in hyperextension, - backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyperflexion, - forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. Most common injuries are to the soft tissues, i.e., muscles and ligaments.

If there has not been an injury, you should seek professional care when neck pain is:
* continuous and persistent
* severe
* accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs
* accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Degenerative and inflammatory diseases - Degenerative diseases that cause neck pain include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people as a result of wear of the joints between the bones in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause destruction of the joints of the neck. Both of these major types of arthritis can cause stiffness and pain.

Cervical disc degeneration also can cause neck pain. The disc acts as a shock absorber between the bones in the neck. In cervical disc degeneration (typically age 40 onwards), the normal gelatine-like centre of the disk degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows. As the disc space narrows, added stress is applied to the joints of the spine causing further wear and degenerative disease. The cervical disc may also protrude and cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when the rim of the disk weakens. This is known as a herniated cervical disc.

How Chiropractic helps
For a 100 years patients have found Chiropractic care an effective treatment for back and neck pains... and today, it is still helping people.
So... do something good for yourself...suffering neck pains in silence is not the answer. Call our office if you would like to talk more…..

DISCLAIMER This information is provided for Educational Purposes Only and has NOT been designed to diagnose, treat or cure any health conditions. Please consult a qualified Health Care Professional to diagnose your health conditions and avoid self-diagnosis.