Neck Pain

What causes neck pain?

Your neck is the most vulnerable part of your spine. Not only does it support your 10 to 12 pound head, it also maintains a gentle forward curve, and permits head movement. It must also allow for the free flow of nerve impulses to the brain, face, arms, hands, and the rest of your body. More than a discomfort or annoyance, chronic neck pain is a sign that something is wrong.

Many everyday things can cause neck pain such as watching television, using your computer, reading a book, or falling asleep in a chair or on an airplane. The temporary pain that results may resolve on its own, especially if the offending activity is discontinued. When the pain does not resolve, a more serious underlying problem may be indicated.

A thorough examination can determine if you're a good candidate for chiropractic care. This exam may involve measuring your ability to move your head and neck. Muscle tone of the supporting muscles in the neck may be tested. If necessary, diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI) to reveal the underlying structure of the spine may be requested. These and other tests are designed to identify the cause and location of your neck pain.

The most common cause of neck pain is functional distortion in the spine resulting from vertebral subluxations or misaligned vertebrae. These subluxations are seen in cases of loss of a cervical curve in the neck, whiplash, and joint instability. The body typically responds by tightening muscles in the neck ("splinting" the joint) to protect from further harm.

A spinal adjustment can be the first step to gentle cervical spinal correction.