Neck pain (Cervical pain), is commonly caused by bad posture, poor ergonomics, poor sleeping patterns, awkward sitting positions, as well as wear and tear that may cause strains and sprains in the soft tissue of the neck. Neck pain is common but can easily be misdiagnosed. Episodes of pain in the neck can often be self-resolving, however it is important to diagnose and address the root cause of the problem if the symptoms persist or reoccur. The key to getting the right treatment is to establish which type of neck condition you may be suffering from. Chiropractors are highly trained to carry out a series of neurological and orthopaedic tests to diagnose the cause of neck pain and manage the conditions of the spine using a drug free and natural approach.

Your spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) and they are cushioned by discs that protect the bones by absorbing shocks from day to day activities like walking, twisting and lifting. ‍Injury or weakness in the discs can cause the inner portion to herniate or bulge out through the outer layer. Pain and discomfort can result due to irritating substances that are released from this tear or when a fragment of the tear compresses a nearby nerve.

This is known as slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disc. Disc herniation has some similarities to degenerative disc disease because discs that herniate are often in an early stage of degeneration. ‍Many factors decrease the strength and resiliency of the disc and increase the risk of disc herniation. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition can contribute to poor disc health. Poor posture, daily wear and tear, injury or trauma, and incorrect lifting or twisting further stress the disc. Weakened disc coupled with further stresses make the disc more susceptible to herniation.

Posture is the window to the spine. Poor posture is usually developed from your lifestyle and habits, and the way you stand or sit, especially when performing repetitive task. Long periods of sitting or standing, long-term sedentary lifestyle, inadequate exercise and stress may cause certain spinal joints to change/shift out of its neutral position. As we slouch when seated or hunch while standing, our bodies adapt and joints adopt a new position which the brain recognises as the ‘new normal’. Over time, the ligaments, muscles and joints change, setting further into this new position as normal, resulting in tension and discomfort along the spine. Individuals with postural changes are more susceptible to experiencing tightness, pain or restriction with time.

Research indicates upper cervical trauma as an underlying cause for many types of headaches, especially cervicogenic, migraine and tension headaches. Since so many nerves transmit through the cervical region, to and from the brain, trauma to the upper neck area usually results in problems in other parts of the body. If these vertebrae are displaced, chronic headaches can occur. Until and unless the neck injury is addressed, the symptoms persist. Studies have also shown that chiropractic care can help decrease the frequency and intensity of migraines. ‍Cervicogenic headaches originate from the cervical spine (neck) and are usually caused by problems with the nerves, bones, or muscles in your neck. This type of headache is usually caused by unnatural or sustained neck positions that can put pressure on the neck and base of the skull. A “pinched”/ compressed nerve in or near the neck may also trigger cervicogenic headache.

Almost any part of your body can be injured. Your body is prone to the same kinds of aches and pains, whether you are an amateur sports enthusiast or a professional. Repetitive stresses can have impact on the posture, proper movement of your vertebrae and joints, which in turn, can interfere with the healthy functioning of your muscles and nerves. Chiropractic treats some sports injuries depending on diagnosis. We often see patients with problems of the neck, shoulder, elbow, back, hip, knee and ankle, which may arise from sports injury.

Chiropractic care has shown to be effective in treating general aches and pains arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck. This can include joints, muscles spasms, muscle cramps, frozen shoulder, shoulder or elbow pain, tennis elbow. Pregnancy could also cause general aches and pains including joint and back pain in which chiropractic care could help.

Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system and their influence in the restoration and maintenance of health and optimal function. If your looking to improve your overall health and get the most out of your life, chiropractic is a natural, effective solution to achieve your health goals.