Chiropractic and Neck Pain

If we wake up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the tendency is to blame the predicament on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also try to figure out what is occurring when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” It is helpful to understand that most neck problems are hardly ever caused by a single incident, but rather by the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, unhealthy work and living habits, lack of beneficial exercise and flexibility, and other lifestyle-related factors. Naturally, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

In order to understand neck pain, it is important to be aware of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck consist of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of dense cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae and supply 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 exit 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 neck has a natural forward curve when viewed from the side that helps correctly balance the weight of the head, as well as to decrease stress on the neck joints. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen significantly over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a substantial amount 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 take on-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under enormous strain. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and create more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve pain. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can produce symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are usually associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are created when the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, related to 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.  Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still, the alignment of the neck and the agitation of surrounding tissues should be a main consideration when treating 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 car is forcibly wrenched back, and then forward, causing damage to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a strong force can cause damage 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. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are crucial in order to rule out a fracture. However in most cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper care is crucial in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.

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Headache Treatments Video

Headaches have occured to the vast majority of people at one point or another in their lives.  These headaches can range from mild irritations to a debilitating pain crisis that demands immediate treatment.  Headaches are researched across the medical community, but causes remain a mystery.  The medical community defines headaches in three basic categories.  Primary headaches are what the majority of people experience, while cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far rarer basis.  Most headaches have no life threatening significance, although secondary headaches can be a sign of a more serious neurological disorder.  

Most headaches are classified as primary headaches, and are typically treatable with simple over the counter medications.  Ibuprofen and Aleve are usually effective treatments for problems involving primary headaches.  More serious headaches, such as those seen in clusters, may require prescription pain killers in order to prevent serious daily impairment.  Other effective Headache Treatments include therapeutic measures such as biofeedback, massage, and psychotherapy.  These are good ways to prevent headaches before they even have a chance to begin.  The majority of headaches begin with stress related causes, such as emotional or physical strains.  

Several hours of physical exertion can easily bring on a stress related headache.  The muscles in the skull can contract under pressure, causing discomfort.  Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention should be focused on as the most effective treatment.  Preventing headache pain usually means examining the situations that tend to exacerbate the problem.  If emotionally stressful situations are bringing on the pain, some sort of stress management is most likely in order.  Hours of physical labor should be broken up by regular breaks to prevent the outbreak of stress related headaches.

Frequent headaches that do not abate, or occur on a seemingly random basis may be a sign of a more serious condition.  Headache treatment in these situations may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue.  Headaches that occur frequently and seemingly without provocation can be a sign of more serious neurological issues.  This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify a variety of possible neurological issues.  It is important to see a specialist whenever these kinds of problems present on a fairly regular basis.  Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming more serious.

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