NECK PAIN

Neck pain is a common condition. As with lower back pain, most neck pain is mechanical in origin. it is most frequently caused by a disruption of the balance between joints, muscles and ligaments.  This results in decreased movement by the joints of the neck, and usually accompanied by muscle spasms.

  
Mechanical neck pain - The vast majority of neck pain is caused by disruption of the workings of the spine. These can include the following structures:

• Facet joints - These are pivot points for motion in the vertebral joints
• Intervertebral discs - The discs act as shock-absorbers for the spine, and also align the attached vertebra.
• Spinal nerves - The spinal nerves can be easily subjected to unusual compression, causing pain to radiate from the spine to other areas of the body, often down the arms or hands
• Ligaments - Tough bands of fibrous material which connect the joints to each other
• Muscles - Muscles allow for movement of the body, and provide rigidity to the neck and trunk.

Causes of mechanical neck pain - The proper functioning of the neck can be disrupted by a variety of causes:

• Trauma or accidents, including motor vehicle accidents
• Poor posture
• Overwork or over training
• Congenital problems

Chiropractors can help with mechanical neck pain. Chiropractors successfully treat these conditions using a variety of treatments. These treatments include:

• Adjustment or manipulation of the spine or soft tissues
• Emphasis on exercises specific to your condition
• Physical therapy treatments such as electronic muscle stimulation, traction or ultrasound