Sunday, February 8, 2009

Neck Pain

By Robert Walcher D.C.

The Importance of the Neck

The neck beholds the all important task of fully supporting the weight of the head. In order to function properly, the neck must remain flexible and resilient at all times. The longer we sit at a desk or resume routine activities that inhibit our natural mobility; the more risk we will be putting more pressure on the neck and shoulders. One reason that so many of us experience neck pain is because of the repetitive motions that we perform on a day to day basis. Other recent traumas such as a falls, aging issues, accidents or even a blow to the head can cause neck pain as well.

Complaints of neck pain are often labeled with more than one diagnosis. Some of the terms used may be degenerative disc disease, neck strain, whiplash, herniated disc, or a pinched nerve.

Vital to Our Well Being

The neck region is made up of 7 vertebrae. These vertebrae are crucial to maintaining the proper structure and position of the neck. The vertebrae or small bones that surround the spinal column are spaced with soft cushioned tissue called discs. The discs act as buffers protecting the neck from shock. Intertwined between these vertebrae and discs are the all important nerve endings.

As a disc is injured it is diagnosed as either ruptured or herniated. This results in a 'bulge' that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and results in pain or discomfort. In many cases bodily symptoms like arm pain, weakness or numbness are really a result from a bulged disc in the neck.

As you will notice from the following list, many adverse effects can result from damage to the tissue or nerves of the neck including but not limited to problems with the:

Arteries Veins Lymph glands Thyroid gland Parathyroid glands Esophagus Larynx Trachea

The implications for neck pain have far reaching effects. Pain in the neck can be an indicator of a more serious underlying problem and should be taken seriously.

A Chiropractor Helps the Body Heal Itself

A Chiropractor is a highly trained professional in spinal manipulation. As they diagnose specific causes of neck pain, they can also manipulate the spine to allow normal motion to resume and pain to fade. If there is a lack of normal mobility in the neck area strain will be put on the muscles and nerve causing pain. As the normal range of motion is restored patients can expect reduction in pain and an increase in the desired mobility of the area. An important factor in chiropractic care is that the spinal manipulation realigns the body and thus allows the body to heal itself.

Chiropractors are uniquely trained to treat the body as a 'whole'. Although a chief complaint may be neck pain; chiropractors will take related issues such as poor posture and unhealthy repetitive motion into consideration and help the patient learn ways to reduce the stress on their bodies. The knowledge and insight they can give allows a person to experience a pain-free future.

There is no need to continue suffering. Neck pain can be debilitating and if untreated can lead to even further problems. The answers and treatment you need awaits you at the chiropractor's office. - 14130

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