Neck Adjustments

Introduction

Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always explanation for our stiff and painful neck when we arise in the morning. We also attempt to figure out what is taking place when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” Though it may seem so, one singular event is hardly ever the cause of most neck problems, but instead the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, unhealthy work and lifestyle habits, and lack of proper exercise for strength and flexibility. Obviously, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

Anatomy

To understand neck pain, it is important to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is piloted by neck vertebrae that are made of posterior joints, called facets, that link vertebrae to one another. Inter-vertebral discs, made of tough cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This strong cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae and impart energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are in charge of the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

A larger majority of people are now employed to sit at a desk in front of a computer. The use of computers has risen astronomically, and many individuals spend eight to ten hours a day slumped over the keyboard and staring at the monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers adopt-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under immense strain. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and cause more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. Improper posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the main causes of spinal nerve inflammation. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can produce symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are created when the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, connected with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless, the alignment of the neck and the agitation of surrounding tissues should be a main consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic adjustments and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Colorado Springs Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Many people are involved in car accidents. Almost certainly the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such an accident, the passenger in the front car gets his or her head forcibly jolted backward and then forward causing damage to the structures of the back and front of the neck. This type of trauma is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force produced by such an accident is very powerful and can cause trauma to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are crucial in order to rule out a fracture. More often than not in many cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is vital in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.