Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always explanation for our stiff and painful neck when we wake up in the morning. We also try to figure out what is occurring when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” It is useful to understand that most neck problems are rarely caused by a single incident, but usually by the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, poor work and living habits, lack of beneficial exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Obviously, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is important to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is directed by neck vertebrae that are made of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of strong cartilage that covers a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is located between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and impart energy to muscles and organs of the body. Additionally, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are assigned to the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and lessens stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen considerably over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers assume-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under tremendous strain. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed creating more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve pain. Besides general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can cause symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are created when the cervical vertebrae lose their normal position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, associated with structures in the head are stretched or irritated. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Many other factors are connected with headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. However one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when speculating the basis for headaches and migraines. Chiropractic treatment and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Colorado Springs Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front automobile is powerfully wrenched back, and then forward, causing damage to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. This type of damage is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force arising from such an accident is very strong and can cause trauma to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is vital to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in almost all cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper treatment is crucial in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.