Neck Pain

Today’s modern living often entails hours of sitting hunched over workstations or looking down at our phones. This can play havoc with our necks, so it’s not surprising that neck pain is the second most common condition that chiropractors treat. Whilst neck pain is less common than low back pain, millions of people experience neck pain and related arm pain at some stage in their lives.

The most common causes of neck pain are soft tissue abnormalities from injury or prolonged wear and tear. In many people, this is also the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders and arms. Muscle imbalances in the neck can cause referred pain that spreads to the arm, forearm and hand.

Shooting pain that spreads down the arm into the hand and fingers can be a symptom of nerve entrapment in the neck. When a nerve is entrapped in the neck, pins and needles, tingling, numbness, weakness and/or pain in the arms, hands and fingers may occur. Although disc injuries are rare, they are the most common cause of nerve entrapments.

Injuries to the neck that are caused by a sudden movement of the head backwards, forwards or sideways are referred to as a “whiplash” injury. Whiplash is most commonly suffered as a result of a motor vehicle accident. An impact or collision causes the head to suddenly jerk back and forth beyond its normal limits. Whether from a car accident, sporting injury or an accident at work, whiplash or neck injuries warrant a thorough chiropractic examination.

Throughout your lifetime, the spine is required to withstand a considerable amount of weight bearing strain due to gravity and normal activities of daily living. This can result in degenerative changes in the spine, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, inflammation and pain. However, the better care that you take of your spine, including chiropractic care, the less likely it is to wear out and cause long-term problems.

Chiropractic care is very effective in the treatment of neck pain. During your initial consultation, I will perform a comprehensive history and thorough physical examination. I will also refer you for diagnostic imaging or laboratory testing if required. I will explain in detail what your presenting condition is and how I am going to help restore your health.

Treatment may involve a variety of different corrections, including chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, TMJ corrections, cranio-sacral therapy, meridian therapy, visceral (organ) therapy and emotional corrections. I may also prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises, and I may give you dietary and nutritional advice.

I will look at exactly what your body needs at that particular point in time, and I will work with you to make the necessary changes. This approach allows me to not only get results quickly, but also allows you to be the healthiest version of yourself.