Your neck, also called the cervical spine, contains seven small vertebrae which begins at the base of the skull. What is so incredible about the cervical spine is that it supports the full weight of your head, which is an average of about 12 pounds. The cervical spine has the ability to move your head in almost every direction, therefore this kind of flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.

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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, poor posture, trauma to the head, normal aging and everyday wear and tear.

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Some of the typical causes of neck pain include:

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• 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. In return, your muscles react by tightening and contracting, which creates muscle fatigue and can result in pain and stiffness. If whiplash is severe enough it can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots. The most common occurrence of whiplash involves car accidents.

 

• Loss of Cervical Lordosis: The cervical spine is C shaped with its curve facing towards the back of the neck. A normal healthy cervical spine has a slight lordotic curve and it is anatomically important to bear the weight of the head. Loss of cervical lordosis can result in straightening of the cervical spine or in severe cases it can reverse the curve (known as kyphosis). Loss of cervical lordosis can result in pain and stiffness in the neck. Improper posture and muscular spasm are two important causes for loss of cervical curvature. The problem is usually detected on an X-ray of the cervical spine. Symptoms can vary from numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers, headaches, dizziness, confusion, etc. 

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• Growing older: Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease directly affect the spine.

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• Degenerative Disc Disease: can lead to the elasticity and height of intervertebral discs. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing tingling, numbness, and pain that runs into the arm.  

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• Spinal Stenosis: causes the small nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, compressing and trapping nerve roots. Stenosis may cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as numbness when these nerves are unable to function normally.

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• 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. Postural stress can contribute to chronic neck pain with symptoms extending into the upper back and arms.

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        During your visit, our doctor of chiropractic will perform exams to locate the source of your pain and will ask you questions about your current symptoms. In your physical exam our chiropractor will observe your posture, range of motion, and physical condition, noting movement that causes you pain. X-rays might be necessary to check for narrowed disc space, fractures, bone spurs, or arthritis.

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        What is a neck adjustment? A neck adjustment, which is also known as cervical manipulation, is a precise procedure applied to the joints of the neck, usually by hand. The adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion; it can also increase movement of adjoining muscles. Upon cervical adjustments patients often notice improved ability to turn and tilt the head, and a reduction of pain, soreness and stiffness.

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