Your neck has your strongest muscles (per cross-sectional area) in your body.  Why? because it’s carrying and moving your head, which weighs 10-12 lb (a small adult bowling ball).  No wonder we get neck pain!

It’s also hard at work supplying the nerves to your face, neck and arms, so it’s a vital piece of kit!

 

Symptoms You Might Have

Problems in your neck obviously cause pain in your neck.  But you may also be getting (cervicogenic) headaches (these are usually at the base of the skull), pain in your shoulders and/or arms. Your discomfort may be achy, sharp, throbbing or pulling. It may be persistent and debilitating.  It might not allow you to look over your shoulder, probably most noticeable in the car!

 

The Cause

There are many causes to your neck pain, the most common are simply mechanical. For example as a result of trauma e.g. road traffic collision, sporting injury or a fall.

More commonly, postural adaptations are to blame.  Things like incorrect desk set-up, slouching on the sofa, wear and tear or even your sleeping position. For every 15⁰ you move your head forward you add the strain of another head/bowling ball to your neck.  Just think of the strain whilst you’re texting!

The joints between the vertebrae in your neck may be irritated. As you age, the discs between your vertebrae dehydrate and reduce in height. This makes them unstable and your neck muscles then tighten up to ‘splint’ the area. Inflammation may be encroaching on the space that the nerves occupy resulting in symptoms such as tingling or numbness.

 

Prevention

Here at ChiroPractical we feel like we talk about posture all the time: it’s SO important. Our bodies have evolved to stand up STRAIGHT. 21st Century living, though, often means we curve our spine over a desk or in front of a PC or phone whilst texting. Sit up as tall as you can and ensure your desk, car and even your bed is set up just right for you.

 

Advice

By the time you’re reading this following the prevention steps won’t help much until any subluxations (abnormal joint positioning) are dealt with.  Although, you may find using an icepack (wrapped in a thin tea towel) for 10-15 minutes, three times a day will help.

The aim of Chiropractic is to locate these subluxations and get the joint more functional; in turn reducing stress, inflammation and pain; alongside enhancing that all-important nerve function.

Around 68% of all Chiropractic visits include some neck treatment so why not call to book in and find out what Chiropractic can do for you, today.