Neck Pain

Neck Pain

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain has many different causes and severities. There are also many different types of pain that can be produced, ranging from dull aches or soreness, to sharp stabbing or even nerve-like pain. Some underlying neck conditions can also produce radiating pain down the arm or into the hand. There are many conditions that can lead to neck pain, including:

1. Abnormal spinal alignment
2. Abnormal biomechanics (movement) of the spine
3. Muscle imbalances of the neck, shoulders, or even other parts of the spine or body
4. Disc conditions, including disc bulging, degeneration, herniation
5. Ligament injuries, commonly seen in high force injuries
6. Nerve compression anywhere in or near the cervical spine
7. Abnormal breathing mechanics

How to Properly Identify the Cause of Your Neck Pain?

Because there are so many causes of neck pain, it is important that your examination is very thorough and detailed. Below is our neck pain evaluation process:

1. Physical palpation examination of the spine, assessing for spinal alignment and tone of the musculoskeletal system
2. Range of motion testing to assess for biomechanical issues of the neck
3. Neurological testing to assess for proper nerve function of the nerve roots stemming from the neck
4. Oftentimes, X-rays are used to assess underlying structural abnormalities of the neck to allow for very precise and detailed treatment
5. Muscles assessment and postural assessment to assess for muscle imbalances of the neck
6. Strength testing to assess for other muscle imbalances or neurological involvement

Treating Neck Pain

Treatment options for lower back pain include:

1. Precise Spinal Adjusting – All spinal adjusting in our clinic is extremely precise, often based on Xrays to help locate the areas of concern. We also look at underlying spinal conditions to help us determine which type of spinal adjusting will be both safe and most effective.
2. Non-surgical Spinal Decompression – Spinal decompression therapy is used to help gently “decompress” spinal joints, helping to open up the neural canals, decrease pressure on the spinal discs, and also stretch nearby muscles to allow for healthy movement and nutrient exchange around the spine.
3. Myofascial Release – Myofascial release involves deep tissue “massage” of the muscle and connective tissue. Breaking up adhesions in the musculoskeletal system along the neck and upper back can play a key role in improving pain and function.

Best Way to Correct Neck Pain for the Long -Term

Again, due to the multiple factors that affect neck pain, long-term improvement involves the following:

1. Frequent (weekly) specific strengthening and stretching of the cervical spine to maintain muscle balance, strength and flexibility. It is important that theses exercises are tailored to your specific spinal findings.
2. Periodic spinal checkups to ensure proper alignment of the neck and health structure of the cervical spine.
3. Avoiding recurrent or chronic movement, positions, posture, or activities that seem to irritate the neck.