Neck pain is a comm
on complaint of chiropractic patients. Your neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. The cervical spine supports the full weight of your head, which is on average weighs about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.
The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and every day wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.
Here are some of the most typical causes of neck pain:
- Injury and Accidents
A sudden forced movement of the head or neck in any direction and the resulting rebound” in the opposite direction is known as whiplash. The sudden “whipping” motion injures the surrounding and supporting tissues of the neck and head. As a result, muscles tighten and contract, creating muscle fatigue, pain and stiffness. - Degenerative Diseases
- Osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder, causes progressive deterioration of cartilage. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that affect joint motion.
- Spinal stenosis causes the narrowing of small nerve passageways in the vertebrae, which compress and trap nerve roots, leading to neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as numbness.
- Degenerative disc disease can lead to reduced elasticity and height of intervertebral discs. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing tingling, numbness, and pain that runs into the arm.
- Daily Life
- Poor posture, obesity and weak abdominal muscles often disrupt spinal balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate.
- Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness, which may extend into the upper back and arms.
If you experience any neck pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with me today.
