Neck Pain Causes and Treatment
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
The neck, also called the cervical spine, starts at the head's base and consists of several tiny vertebrae. Surprisingly, the neck can hold the whole weight of the head and on average weighs about 12 pounds. The neck lets you turn the head in almost any direction and this flexibility leaves it prone to injury and pain.
Biomechanics may be responsible for the neck's susceptibility to injury. Repeated activity, accidents, extended sitting, bad fall and its impact on the head or body, natural aging, and regular wearing and tearing are all possible causes that may alter cervical biomechanics. The pain in the neck may be quite problematic, and various factors may cause it.
A chiropractor may suggest some remedies for neck pain, which include physical therapy and rest.
Spinal Stenosis, Osteoarthritis, and Aging Causes Neck Pain
The tiny neural channels in the vertebrae constrict as a result of spinal stenosis, squeezing and trapping nerve roots. When these nerves become unable to function correctly, they may produce pain in the neck, arm, and shoulder and cause numbness.
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder, which causes cartilage to deteriorate over time. Bone spurs occur as a result of the body's reaction, impairing joint mobility.
Due to aging, degenerative health problems such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis may affect the spine.
Neck Pain Caused Due to Injuries
A quick, forceful neck or head movement in any direction with a bounce back in the reverse direction is called whiplash. The abrupt whipping action injures the neck and head's supporting tissues. Muscles tighten and contract in response, resulting in muscular fatigue, which may lead to pain and stiffness. Ligaments, intervertebral joints, nerve roots, discs, and muscles may all be injured as a result of severe whiplash. Whiplash is most often caused due to car accidents.
Chiropractic Care
After taking appointment with the chiropractor, they may conduct tests to find out the cause of the pain and ask questions related to your symptoms and previous treatments you've tried.
The chiropractor may conduct neurological and physical examinations. During your physical examination, the chiropractor may examine the posture, physical health, and range of motion, and they may note down any movements resulting in pain. The chiropractor may examine the spine for muscular spasms and document its alignment and curvature. They may assess your muscular strength, reflexes, pain spread, and nerve alterations during the neurological examination.
The neck adjustment is a specific treatment that is generally performed with the hand on the neck joints. A neck adjustment may help improve the spine's mobility, restores range of motion, and increases the muscles movements that surround it. Patients may experience some improvement in moving and tilting their heads and decrease pain, stiffness, and soreness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.