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Neck
Pain
Do you suffer from neck pain? If you do, you’re not
alone. Nearly 75 percent of American adults will suffer from
neck pain at some point in their lives. And, looking at our
anatomy, it’s no wonder so many of us do. Though having your
head perched on top of your spine gives you a great view of
your environment, the set-up is rather like propping a bowling
ball atop a tower of blocks. The price? Our necks are prone to
injury of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. But by
paying attention to our posture, doing regular stretching and
strengthening exercises, and visiting our chiropractors, we
can help keep our necks pain-free.
Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain ranges from mild (annoying and distracting)
to severe (incapacitating). Poor posture during normal,
everyday activities such as watching TV, using a computer,
reading a book, or talking on the phone can easily trigger
minor neck pain. TV watching can be particularly bad for the
neck if you’re lying on a couch, with your head propped at an
awkward angle for a prolonged period of time. Holding the
phone between the jaw and shoulder (rather than in your hand),
reading at a desk or table with your head hung over a book, or
working with a computer monitor below eye level can also be
particularly stressful for the neck. By resting and making
efforts not to repeat the offending stresses on the neck,
minor neck pain usually disappears on its own within a day or
so.
Neck pain that won’t go away or keeps coming back can
signal a more serious underlying problem. Abnormal motion of
spinal joints; injuries such as whiplash; diseases like
osteoarthritis, meningitis and tumors; congenital
malformation; and degeneration (such as that in arthritis)
require more than rest. A trained healthcare professional such
as a doctor of chiropractic (DC) can help. He or she can
determine whether the cause of your neck pain is minor and
easily treatable or more serious and requiring more intensive,
extended treatment. Chiropractors may recommend
chiropractic adjustments, massage, physiotherapy, and/or
strengthening and stretching exercises. In some cases,
the chiropractor may need to refer you for further
evaluation and treatment.
If you experience neck pain that doesn’t abate within
24 hours, seek the advice of a trained healthcare specialist
for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. And remember,
because chiropractors specialize in the neuromusculoskeletal
system, they are some of the most well-trained healthcare
professionals to consult about neck pain.
Chiropractic Care Can
Help...
Information provided courtesy of
the
American Chiropractic
Association (ACA)
http://www.amerchiro.org/
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