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 treating its symptoms through the use of muscle relaxers, massage and hot packs.

But neck pain isn't caused by lack of aspirin or drugs.

Biomechanical disorders of the bony structures of the neck related to stress, strains and sprains of the surrounding soft tissues are the most common causes 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 the 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.

Steps to Reduce Neck Pain Now

Sleeping

Sleep on a firm surface, with a pillow thin or thick enough so that you neck does not bend forward or backward when lying on your back, or to the right or left when lying on your side.

Exercise

There are two types of exercise that can help relieve neck pain. They are based on stretching and muscle-toning. In both cases, you bend your head on your heck through all six of the normal directions - forward, backward, right and left turns, and right and left bends. Do this 20 to 30 times in each direction and finish with the same number of neck rolls. To tone the muscles, go through the same movements against the resistance of your hand and arm. Instead of pain medication, try both exercises four times per day. Continue these exercises daily to help prevent recurrences.

Telephone

"Telephonitis" is a form of repetitive strain injury. A new study has found that 50% of office workers who use the telephone for at least two hours per day suffer from neck pain and 31% suffer from lower back pain. The main cause is holding the phone between the head and the shoulders. The best treatment is simply to invest in a hands-free headset.

Office Ergonomics

1. Get up and talk to colleagues instead of emailing them. Intersperse active and passive tasks throughout the day.
2. Position the keyboard/mouse so your elbows are at a 90° angle. Keep your feet flat on the floor.
3. Use chairs that have height, back and tilt adjustments, and take advantage of variable height work surfaces.

Associated Symptoms

Neck pain may also be perceived in other parts of the body. This "referred pain" may include:

• Arm, hand and finger pain, stiffness, heaviness, weakness, locking of the joints, swelling, tingling and numbness.
• Poor arm and hand coordination.
• Front and back chest pain, breathing difficulty, asthma-like breathing problems.
• Poor or nonrestorative sleep, insomnia and fatigue.
• Gastrointestinal problems such as loss of appetite, indigestion, gas, bloating, intestinal motility problems, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Bladder problems, such as urinary retention.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, give us a call.

Kids & Neck Pain

A common cause of neck pain in children is the backpack they carry to and from school. A bigger problem than the weight of the bag is the number of times they pick it up during the day and how they carry it. Children should avoid carrying a pack on one shoulder. But if they must, they should alternate the shoulder they use. Also, if they plan to carry more than 20 pounds on a regular basis, they should consider backpacks with waist straps to reduce the stress on the lumbar spine.