The neck is the most vulnerable part of the spine. It supports the head, maintains a gentle forward curve and allows rotation of the head. It also allows the flow of nerve impulses to the head, face, arms and the rest of the body via the spinal cord.
There are many causes of neck pain including watching television, using a computer, falling asleep in a chair or on a train or aeroplane, improper use of the telephone or trauma such as whiplash. The most common cause of neck pain is mechanical dysfunction of the spine due to vertebral subluxation. The body responds by tightening the neck muscles in an attempt to protect the area. Most of the pain sensing nerves in the neck are located in the facet joints which allow the neck to rotate, flex and extend. If these joints can’t move properly, neck pain can result.
Another common cause of neck pain is our response to stress. Most people will hold tension in their neck and shoulder muscles affecting the way their neck moves. Work pressure, family obligations and other commitments and deadlines all raise stress levels. Chiropractic care can help improve the way we deal with stress and improves function and structure.