The 2 Most Important Factors In Avoiding Neck Pain

Written by: Eric Chludzinski, DC

Neck pain can be a big PAIN IN THE NECK. The statistics show that approximately 80% of the population will experience either acute or chronic pain. Everyday people wake up each day with a neck that is tight, stiff, in spasm or in serious pain. Neck pain aka cervicalgia (pain in the cervical spine or neck) affects a great deal of the movements of our head and neck. Cervcialgia can result from muscles in spasm, bulging or herniated disc, infection, arthritis, spinal stenosis, pinched nerve or whiplash. The cervical spine contains an intricate network of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. These structures all work together to allow movement of our head. The cervical spine is more susceptible to injury due to the fact that it so freely movable unlike our thoracic or lumbar spine. Our everyday lives involve constant movement of the cervical spine such as driving, playing sports, performing chores, etc.

A neck condition can cause:

• Dull Ache, sharp, throbbing or stabbing pain
• Stiffness
• Tightness
• Numbness & tingling in the arm, hands or fingers

Because of the intricacies involved with the nerves and blood vessels of the head and neck, a cervical spine condition can refer to pain in any part of the head or face.

There are two key components to avoid a problem in the cervical spine. 1. Proper spinal alignments or posture. 2. Normal range of motion of the head and neck. If the bones of cervical spine are lined up properly then this means that there is minimal, if any stress or strain on the muscles and nerves of the neck. Additionally, the loading by the head on the spinal discs is symmetrical. Symmetry of the structures of the head and neck are an essential part of healthy function. The better aligned one’s posture is, the more stable and less susceptible to injury they are. Secondarily, allowing the muscles and tendons to function without restriction in their full elastic range maintains the exchange of water and nutrients through them. The normal range of motion of these structures keeps them in tip-top shape to vastly aid in preventing injury.

Injuries to the cervical spine can be as simple as falling asleep in an awkward position for your head and neck on your coach or can be as extreme as a whiplash injury during an automobile accident. Whiplash is a severe situation occurring during a traumatic event where the head snaps back and fourth violently causing damage to the spinal discs, muscles, tendons and joints.

At Monmouth Pain & Rehabilitation we see a great deal of cases involving injury to the cervical spine. Regardless of the mechanism of injury, our primary focus is getting that individual out of pain as quickly as possible. Once the pain is nearly gone, our focus shifts to rehabilitation as the patient’s care plan. This will include restoring normal spinal bio-mechanics and function. Treatment will consist of but not be limited to:

• Chiropractic care
• Physical Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Laser Therapy
• Non-surgical Spinal Decompression
• Spinal Traction
• Massage
• Spinal Injections

When considering a remedy for Neck Pain, Monmouth Plains Pain & Rehabilitation should be your first stop. Our facility comes highly recommended by numerous physicians in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Feel free to contact us for a free consultation today. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at 732-345-1377. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 value).