Neck pain and how chiropractic can help!
Neck pain: and how chiropractic can help it
As we all know, neck pain can be really debilitating and affect everyday activities such as gardening, working, and driving. Neck pain is also very difficult to ignore and can affect our mood and energy levels. What are the causes of neck pain and what can be done to help?
1) Facet joint irritation
One of the most common causes of neck pain; the facet joints are the joints that sit between each vertebra. When they are restricted (by common everyday activities such as work and posture) they cause localised inflammation that can impinge the cervical nerves. This can even cause headaches or arm pain. This type of condition can affect young and older people.
2) Degenerative joint disease
Known as ‘wear and tear’, DJD is a common condition to affect the neck especially as we get older. Our heads weigh about the weight of a bowling ball, so when they are slightly forward on the shoulders, they cause increased pressure through the joints of the neck. This increased pressure causes the body to lay down extra bone to scaffold and protect the joints, this is what causes wear and tear. The extra bone means the joints don’t move as easily and the lack of circulation of joint fluid means they can feel stiff and sore.
3) Slipped cervical disc
You’ve probably heard of a slipped disc in the lower back, but did you know you can get them in your neck too? The disc is the material that sits between the vertebra to act as a shock absorber and allow movement through the spine. The inner part of the disc can sometimes be pushed out of the outer part of the disc, which is what we call a ‘slipped disc’. The inner material causes high amounts of inflammation by the nerve which can then cause high levels of pain, headaches and/or arm pain. This condition isn’t as common but can be very painful and debilitating.
4) Whiplash related conditions
A whiplash injury is described as a rapid flexion and extension injury of the neck. This sudden force causes trauma to the large muscles around the neck. In response to this the muscles go into spasm and in more severe causes can experience tears through the muscle fibres. The pain in whiplash often goes from very acutely painful to then settle to be stiff and sore and headache producing.
How can chiropractic help with the above?
Chiropractic is a very effective option for helping with all the conditions mentioned above. After a thorough assessment your chiropractor can diagnose your condition and put together a care plan to reduce your pain, improve your movement and prevent the pain returning. Our methods of care for neck pain include adjustments, mobilisation, gentle traction, soft tissue work, stretches, and dry needling. Your diagnosis will determine what methods of care we use (for example, mobilisation is very effective for wear and tear).
Neck pain can affect our everyday lives while it doesn’t have to, give us a call or drop us an email to see how we can help you!