Neck Pain

Is it hard to look over your shoulder? Is there a constant throbbing in your neck? Do you notice a “grinding” sound as you turn your head? Sounds like you need a thorough chiropractic examination.

A popular response to neck pain is by taking pain-killers to cover up the problem or by treat ing its symptoms through the use of muscle relaxers, massage and hot packs.

But neck pain isn’t caused by a lack of pain killers or anti-inflammatories.

Biomechanical disorders of the bony structures of the neck related to stress, strains and sprains of the surrounding soft tissues are the most common cause of stiffness, loss of mobility and neck pain. This can occur through a sudden movement, poor posture when using a computer, driving, lifting or contact sports. Injuries such as contusions and tearing of the muscles, ligaments and tendons or even fractures of the vertebrae can occur in severe cases.

In addition, the process of degeneration affects joints and soft tissues causing arthritis, facet syndrome, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the channels for the nerves and spinal cord), and shifting of the spine. Aging of soft tissues plays a very important role in the daily and recurring experience of neck pain.

The chiropractic approach to neck pain is to locate its underlying cause. This begins with a complete case history and thorough examination. Special attention is given to the structures and function of the spine, and its affect on the nervous system.

Is the proper spinal curve present? Are the nerve openings between each pair of spinal bones free and clear? Is the head balanced? Are the shoulders level? These and other considerations are used to create a plan of specific chiropractic adjustments to help improve the motion and position of spinal vertebrae in the neck.

With improved structure and function, neck pain often diminishes or totally disappears— without addictive drugs or harmful side effects.