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Chiropractic and Neck Pain

Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always the reason for our stiff and painful neck when we get up in the morning. We also attempt to figure out what is occurring when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is rarely the cause of most neck problems, but more often than not the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, bad work and lifestyle habits, and lack of healthy exercise for strength and flexibility. Of course, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is helpful to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck consist of posterior joints, called facets, that link vertebrae to one another and serve to pilot the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, composed of strong cartilage, connect the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is located between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and supply energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that go out from the neck are in charge of the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The neck has a natural forward curve when looked at from the side that helps properly balance the weight of the head, as well as to decrease stress on the neck joints. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen dramatically over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers adopt-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under immense strain. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed creating more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. Improper posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve irritation. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can produce symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are caused when the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, connected with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Many other factors are connected with headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when speculating the origin of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally valuable in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such an accident, the passenger in the front car gets his or her head powerfully jolted backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a intense force can cause trauma to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are extremely important in order to rule out a fracture. Usually in most cases, the injuries are principally to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is vital in healing from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.