Neck Pain 

Neck Pain Key Facts:

• The most common causes of neck pain are associated with poor posture

• Neck pain can be debilitating and can be linked with numbness in the hands

• Whiplash associated disorders may take 3 months before the onset of symptoms

What are common causes of neck pain?

Neck pain may be a sign that something is wrong and needs attention. How urgent that attention is required can depend on factors like how long the neck pain has been there and how severe the it is. The neck is quite delicate relative to the structures above that it has to support and for this reason there can be multiple causes of neck pain. Common causes of neck pain may include:

• Poor sleeping posture

• Injury and trauma

• Repetitive overuse of the neck

• Prolonged phone and computer use

• Heavy back packs

• Bad desk setup

• Jaw related problems

What are common related conditions for neck pain?

1. Text Neck: This condition is associated with the heavy use of smart phones and poor posture. Symptoms include shoulder tightness, neck pain and intermittent headaches.

2. Spondylosis: Otherwise known as arthritis this condition can be age related, poor posture related or even trauma related. This condition affects the joints of the neck and involves the degeneration of the vertebrae, vertebral discs and supporting structures. This condition typically affects your neck range of motion and may be associated with frequent clicking and popping of the neck. In severe cases numbness, weakness and tingling in the hands may be present (commonly confused for carpal tunnel)

3. Whiplash: A trauma related injury that results in the neck suddenly whipped from one direction to another. This condition is commonly associated with car accidents. This can cause neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain and headaches. In some cases symptoms may not be present immediately and may appear 3 months later.

4. Torticollis: A condition which results in the neck and head becoming temporarily tilted to one side. This asymmetry causes neck pain, tightness, loss of movement and stiffness.

What are common symptoms of neck pain?

• Neck stiffness

• Decrease in movement

• Burning shoulders

• Tight muscles

• Burning, tingling or numbness into the hands

• Clicking and popping sounds
  

If you experience fainting, numbness and weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech, seek URGENT medical attention.

How to prevent neck pain?

Most neck pain is associated with poor posture and wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, keep your head upright and avoid awkward and crouched positions. We find that the simple and small changes in your daily routine will have the BIGGEST impact. Try the following:

Don’t look down: When looking at your phone make sure to keep it at eye level or higher. Remember to “not look down”

Desk setup: Try and setup your computer screen so that the bottom margin of the monitor is at eye level. This will raise your chin slightly higher for better posture.

Take frequent breaks: We tend to slouch after long periods of sitting. Remember to take frequent breaks every 20 minutes to “reset”.

School bags: Use the straps on the school bags to keep the backpack as close to the shoulders as possible. Also keep your bag light. We recommend that your bag weighs no more than 10% of your own body weight.

Check your sleep: Check your sleeping position. Old pillows and mattress wont help. Make sure your sleeping posture allows your body to keep level and aligned. We recommend side sleeping.

Chiropractic and neck pain

Chiropractic care was associated with significant group-level improvement in health-related quality of life over time, especially in pain [1]. Chiropractic care for neck pain may include traditional Chiropractic, gentle adjustments (Activator), stretches, rehabilitation exercises and advice.

Need more help?

Do you need more information about neck pain? Contact us and ask to speak to one of our friendly Chiropractors, risk free!

Quick Facts

References

1. Hays RD, Spritzer KL, Sherbourne CD, Ryan GW, Coulter ID. Group and Individual-level Change on Health-related Quality of Life in Chiropractic Patients With Chronic Low Back or Neck Pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2019 May 1;44(9):647-651. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000002902. PMID: 30312269; PMCID: PMC6459736.