Explaining Neck Pain and the Anatomy of the Neck

Neck pain is defined as any type of pain that occurs in the neck — from the base of the skull to the tops of the shoulders. It may spread as far as your arms or upper back.  You may be unable to move your head and neck as freely as normal. Neck pain is very common and is seen, most often, in people older than age 50.

Your neck is made up of vertebrae that run from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs were created to absorb the shock between bones. The muscles, ligaments, and bones of the neck act as a support for the head and allow for motion. If the neck has any abnormalities, has endured injury, or has inflammation, neck pain can be the end result.

 

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain and stiffness is extremely common. It can be due to poor posture or overusing the muscles. It can also occur after an injury from a sporting accident, whiplash, or a fall. Some activities that may bring on neck pain are slouching, sleeping with your neck in an odd position, or painting a ceiling or other overhead work. This can cause neck strain, a spasm, or a sprain of the neck muscles. Here are some common reasons for neck pain:

  • Muscle tension or strain: This comes about because of specific activities such as poor posture, sitting at a desk for too long in one position, jerking the neck while exercising, and sleeping in the wrong position.
  • Injury: The neck is quite susceptible to injury when you experience falls, car accidents, or sporting accidents because this causes the muscles to move outside of their normal range. If the neck bones (cervical vertebrae) are fractured, the spinal cord may be damaged. If the neck is injured due to a sudden jerking motion of the head, it is referred to as whiplash.
  • Heart attack: Neck pain may be a symptom of a heart attack, but it will likely be accompanied by other symptoms:
    • Sweating
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Arm or jaw pain
    • Shortness of breath

If you notice these symptoms, call an ambulance or go to your local emergency department immediately.

  • Meningitis: This is an inflammation of the thin tissue surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. A fever and headache usually occur along with a stiff neck. It is a medical emergency, and you should seek help immediately as this condition can be fatal.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: You will have pain, bone spurs, and swelling of the joints. If this happens in the area of the neck, you may have neck pain.
  • Fibromyalgia: Known for widespread pain throughout the body, fibromyalgia is especially painful in the neck and shoulders.
  • Osteoporosis: This is a weakening of the bones which can lead to tiny fractures. It can happen in the hands and knees or in the neck.
  • Spondylosis: A degeneration of the cervical discs. Also called osteoarthritis of the neck, this can narrow the space between the vertebrae and stress the joints.
  • Spinal stenosis: When the spinal column narrows and causes pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that exit the vertebrae, spinal stenosis is to blame. This is often because of long-term inflammation due to arthritis or other conditions.
  • Herniated cervical disk: A protruding disk due to trauma or injury might add pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots. It is also called a ruptured or slipped disk.

Rarely, the following can be the cause of neck pain:

  • Infections
  • Tumors
  • Cancer of the spine
  • Abscesses
  • Congenital abnormalities

 

When to Consult a Medical Doctor

If you have neck pain for longer than a week, you should see your medical doctor. Also, if you have any of the following:

  • A lump in your neck
  • Swollen glands
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • A fever
  • Severe neck pain with no apparent cause
  • A headache
  • Tingling and numbness
  • Pain radiating down your arms or legs
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Weakness
  • Bladder or bowel problems
  • Inability to move your arms or hands
  • Inability to touch your chin to your chest

 

Finding Natural Relief for the Problem of Neck Pain

It has been discovered that neck pain can be due to an injury that occurred over 15 or more years ago. Therefore, it is vital, when you are relaying your patient history to your primary care doctor or your chiropractor, you include every accident you have ever had. Then, we can determine if it is relevant to your neck pain or not.

An interesting connection has been discovered regarding the bones of the upper cervical spine. If either the C1 or C2 bones is misaligned, it may be the underlying source of neck pain and a host of other health conditions. Things such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and scoliosis can all be connected to this type of misalignment.

Here at Source Chiropractic and Wellness, we use diagnostic imaging and specific examinations and measurements to determine the exact location of your misalignment. Once discovered, we employ a gentle method that allows the bones to move back into place on their own rather than forcing them to do so. We are not required to pop or crack the neck or spine to get positive results. Our technique results in a more natural realignment, allowing for a longer-lasting adjustment overall. This eliminates the need for repeated visits to our office to constantly correct the problem. Once in place, we just need to check on you periodically to make sure things are remaining where they belong. Our patients note a great improvement in neck pain and their overall health and well-being.

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cheney, call our Draper office at 385-331-7035. You can also click one of the buttons below.

For English Consultation:

Para Consulta en Español:

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com