Keizer’s best solution for Neck Pain ailments
The neck consists of muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the “cervical spine”, seven vertebrae separated by cushioned discs. By holding up the head, the neck balances the equivalent of a ten-pound bowling ball on the end of a stick. Every day, the neck is subjected to stress that make it vulnerable to injury and degeneration. Any neck injury must be taken seriously and evaluated. Even a minor injury could cause many problems.
Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper function to the vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments of your neck. Adjustments can eliminate interference from mis-alignments and degeneration along your spine to restore proper nerve flow. Chiropractic can help eliminate your pain.
Common Neck Pain Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of neck pain include:
Pain that’s often worsened by holding your head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer
Muscle tightness and spasms
Decreased ability to move your head
Headache
Neck Pain Causes
Your neck is flexible and supports the weight of your head, so it can be vulnerable to injuries and conditions that cause pain and restrict motion. Neck pain causes include:
Muscle strains – Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed or gritting your teeth, can strain neck muscles.
Worn joints. – Just like the other joints in your body, your neck joints tend to wear down with age. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then forms bone spurs that affect joint motion and cause pain.
Nerve compression – Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can press on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
Injuries – Rear-end auto collisions often result in whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.
Diseases. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis or cancer, can cause neck pain.
When to see a doctor for neck treatment
Most neck pain improves gradually with home treatment. If not, see your doctor.
Seek immediate care if severe neck pain results from an injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, diving accident or fall.
Contact a doctor if your neck pain:
Is severe
Persists for several days without relief
Spreads down arms or legs
Is accompanied by headache, numbness, weakness or tingling
Neck Pain Preventative solutions
Most neck pain is associated with poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, keep your head centered over your spine. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help. Consider trying to:
Use good posture – When standing and sitting, be sure your shoulders are in a straight line over your hips and your ears are directly over your shoulders.
Take frequent breaks – If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, get up, move around and stretch your neck and shoulders.
Adjust your desk, chair and computer – Make sure your monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair’s armrests.
Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk – Use a headset or speakerphone instead.
If you smoke, quit – Smoking can put you at higher risk of developing neck pain.
Avoid carrying heavy bags with straps over your shoulder – The weight can strain your neck.
Sleep in a good position – Your head and neck should be aligned with your body. Use a small pillow under your neck. Try sleeping on your back with your thighs elevated on pillows, which will flatten your spinal muscles.