Neck pain can be common; there is a good chance that you have experienced some type of neck discomfort at one time or another. The neck supports your head, which can weigh 10 pounds or more! In addition to supporting your head it needs to be able to functionally move in all three planes of motion. Injuries and imbalances can cause cervical vertebrae to move out of their correct position (Subluxation). Tendons, ligaments and muscles can become inflamed and worn out, the discs separating the cervical vertebrae can herniate or rupture and the nerves can be damaged or irritated from the misalignment.
The neck changes as we age. Arthritic changes in the spinal bones such as abnormal bony growth, disc degeneration, and muscle or ligament deterioration may change the normal healthy curve of the neck and result in irritation of the nerves in the spine.
Problems of the neck if left untreated can lead to pain symptoms experienced in the face, shoulder arm, wrist and hand as well as decreased motion.
Standard medical treatments for your neck pain can include muscle relaxants, painkillers and tranquilizers. Medications mask the pain, but they do not address the underlying cause. In many cases, chiropractic treatment can help ease pressure on the nerves and prevent the need for surgery. In most cases surgery should be considered only when conservative treatments fail.
The chiropractic approach to treating neck pain is to find the source of the neck pain and correct it. By correcting the source of the problem your body is able to heal itself naturally. Neck pain often responds dramatically to the restoration of normal spinal function through chiropractic care.