The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae which begin in the upper
torso and end at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae along with the
ligaments (like thick rubber bands) provide stability to the spine. The muscles
allow for support and motion. The neck has a significant amount of motion and
supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the
rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that
produce pain and restrict motion. For many people, neck pain is a temporary
condition that disappears with time. Others need chiropractic diagnosis and
treatment to relieve their symptoms.
This page explains some of the causes of and treatment for neck pain. Ask Dr.
Tarrabain for more detailed information.
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues - the muscles,
ligaments, and nerves - as well as in bones and joints of the spine. The most
common causes of neck pain are soft tissue abnormalities due to injury or
prolonged wear and tear. In rare cases, infection or tumors may cause neck
pain. In some people, neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper
back, shoulders or arms.
Degenerative and inflammatory diseases - Degenerative diseases
that cause neck pain include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people as a result of wear of the joints
between the bones in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause destruction of
the joints of the neck. Both of these major types of arthritis can cause
stiffness and pain.
Cervical disk degeneration also can cause neck pain. The disk acts as a shock
absorber between the bones in the neck. In cervical disk degeneration
(typically age 40 onwards), the normal gelatin-like center of the disk
degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows. As the disk space
narrows, added stress is applied to the joints of the spine causing further
wear and degenerative disease. The cervical disk may also protrude and cause
pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots when the rim of the disk weakens.
This is known as a herniated cervical disk.
Injury - Because the neck is so flexible and because it
supports the head, it is extremely vulnerable to injury. Motor vehicle or
diving accidents, contact sports, and falls may result in neck injury. The
regular use of safety belts in motor vehicles can help to prevent or minimize
injury. A "rear end" automobile collision may result in hyperextension, a
backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyperflexion, a forward
motion of the neck beyond normal limits. Most common injuries are to the soft
tissues, i.e., muscles and ligaments. Severe injury with fracture or
dislocation of the neck may damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis
(quadriplegia).
Much less common causes of neck pain include tumors, infections, or congenital
abnormalities of the vertebrae.
When should you seek chiropractic care?
If severe neck pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving
accident, fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize
the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis.
Chiropractic care should be sought as soon as possible. Immediate care should
also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the
arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness
in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated.
If there has not been an injury, you should seek chiropractic care when neck
pain is:
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continuous and persistent
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severe
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accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs
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accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness
Who can treat neck pain?
Many patients seek chiropractic care for neck pain, because chiropractors are
specifically trained in the workings of the musculoskeletal system, including
the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems involving the muscles,
bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. Dr. Tarrabain treats a wide variety of
injuries and other conditions, including neck pain.
Diagnosing neck pain
Determining the source of the pain is essential to recommend the right method of
treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is
required to determine the cause of neck pain.
Dr. Tarrabain will take a complete history of the difficulties you are having
with your neck. He or may ask you about other illnesses, any injury that
occurred to your neck and any complaints you have associated with neck pain.
Previous treatment for your neck condition will also be noted.
Next, He will perform a physical examination. This examination may include
evaluation of neck motion, neck tenderness, and the function of the nerves and
muscles in your arms and legs.
X-ray studies often will be done to allow Dr. Tarrabain to look closely at the
bones in your neck. These simple diagnostic techniques often help Dr. Tarrabain
to determine the cause of neck pain and to prescribe effective treatment.
Treatment
How neck pain is treated depends on what the diagnosis reveals. However, most
patients are treated successfully with spinal manipulation, physical therapy
and massage. Which therapies are used depends on your specific problem.
For example, if pain is caused by inflammation as a result of stretching muscles
and ligaments beyond their limits, Dr. Tarrabain may prescribe gentle
manipulation, electrical muscle stimulation and ice.
When neck pain persists or is chronic, Dr. Tarrabain may recommend a
rehabilitation program that includes an exercise program and various types of
physical therapy, or massage to help you relieve your pain and prevent it from
coming back. Very few patients require surgery to relieve neck pain. For the
vast majority of patients, a combination of rest, chiropractic care and
physical therapy will relieve neck pain.
Dr. Tarrabain is a chiropractic doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis
and nonsurgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones,
joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.