What causes neck pain?

The human head weighs roughly eight pounds and is held up by the seven small bones in the neck.  Pain starts when a joint in the neck moves improperly sending a signal to the brain which elicits the pain you feel. Restoring proper motion to the joints in the neck is where we need to start. The cause of neck pain can be related to multiple issues such as:

• Poor posture such as sitting hunched over a computer or excessive mobile phone usage.

• Having your neck being stuck in an awkward position for long periods of time.

• Sleeping in a poor position.

• Excessive stress

• Your neck being forced beyond its normal range of motion such as in a whiplash injury.  Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries.  Sudden movement snaps the neck awkwardly while over-stretching and tearing the tendons and ligaments in the neck.

When should you see a chiropractor?

If you are dealing with any of the following schedule an appointment for a consultation and exam:

• Your neck pain or stiffness doesn't improve after a few days

• You cannot turn your head without severe neck pain

• You frequently take over-the-counter medications to treat pain

• You're worried your neck pain may have a serious cause

• You feel numbness or tingling in your hands or wrists

• Your neck pain started within a few days of a car accident

Can neck pain be prevented?

Common causes of neck pain can be avoided by a few simple changes such as:

• Maintaining good posture when you sit and stand. Anterior Head Syndrome can significantly increase the weight of your head on your neck.

• Moving your computer screen to eye level

• Holding your phone higher when in use

• Sleeping on your side or back

• Using a properly fitted, firm pillow when sleeping

• Getting regular exercise to maintain proper movement in your neck and to build strength to support your head

• Use a cervical curve block on a regular basis after proper motion has been restored.