Neck pain and its related problems can become incapacitating for sufferers. Millions of people will experience neck pain at some point in their life. The head is heavy and balanced on a narrow support made up of seven bones called vertebrae. Because the neck is so mobile, it is easily injured.
Neck pain can take many forms and there can be a variety of presentations. It can be either localized pain or it can refer into other areas such as the head creating a headache, numbness or pain in the arms or hands, dizziness, sinus troubles, and TMJ Syndrome. Neck pain can even affect your thinking process!
One of the most common causes of neck pain that chiropractors see is the result of misalignments of the spine. Other causes of neck pain may be postural problems, and traumas such as accidents, knock or falls. Emotional stress can be a trigger for neck pain particularly in combination with other predisposing factors.
Cervical Spine
The Cervical Spine
– Consists of seven vertebrae in a person’s neck.
– Nerves passing through this area control much of the upper body’s function
– It is imperative for organs, systems, muscles, joints and other tissues receive proper nerve signals to function as they were intended.
– Subluxations in this area can create imbalances, postural problems, and other functional problems.
Chiropractic offers a unique approach to a wide range of cervical spine problems. Chiropractic adjustments are a precise and gentle therapy with the aim of returning motion to restricted spinal joints and to improve the overall mechanics of the spine. A new study shows that simple remedies like chiropractic treatments and home exercises relieve sub-acute neck pain better than pharmaceutical drugs – and without all the negative side effects.
The goal of chiropractic care is not only to reduce pain, but it is to treat the cause. Part of the process also involves educating patients on how to prevent future injuries, maintain good posture and live healthily.
Here are a few tips that can help reduce the risk of neck problems:
• Look at your work station: sit straight and rest your arms and hands comfortably on an arm rest or table. If you sit in front of a computer a lot, then your computer should be directly in front of you at eye level.
• Bed and Pillow: buy a comfortable pillow that allows your neck to be supported when you sleep, the neck should be level with your spine not tilting up or down. Invest in a good quality mattress.
• Sleep position: do not sleep on your front.
• Training: movement and training are always important for preventing musculoskeletal problems, however wrong training positions can also be the cause of neck pain. A chiropractor can give you advice on what not to do and exercises that can strengthen up the neck muscles.
Testimonial
I started going to Carrick Chiropractic a number of years ago. I first came across them giving free consultations in the Abbey Centre. I’m a software developer and therefore spend most of my day sitting in front of a computer screen. I had started to notice how stiff my neck was and that I had less movement when looking behind me when driving. Also at times my back could get sore in the shoulder area and at the base of my back.
I had previously went to a physiotherapist which helped loosen out the muscles for a while. But I soon found that the issues would return not long after treatment had stopped.
In the consultation, things they noticed and told me made sense, so I decided to give it a go and thought what have I got to lose?! I’m so glad I did. The movement in my neck increased greatly, my back pain got better and also I noticed that I was getting less headaches. Hadn’t really noticed up until then that I was actually getting quite a lot until they were gone.
As for the staff, I’ve always found them extremely helpful and informative. You can tell that they are really concerned with you as a person. If you are having issues, I’d definitely recommend getting your spine checked. Also get it sooner rather than later. It really has made such a difference to me.
– L Robinson
