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As a Draper chiropractor for years, Dr. John Cheney has handled several cases involving neck pain. Neck pain is a prevalent condition. Everybody, young or old, male or female, can experience neck pain at least once in their life. Sometimes, neck pain can disappear on its own. In some cases, affected individuals have to get treatment to eliminate neck pain.
To better understand what causes neck pain, you have to know what makes up the neck. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae. Among these bones are the atlas and the axis, and make up the upper cervical spine. The upper cervical spine is responsible for holding up the head and protecting the brainstem. The atlas and axis also allow movement for the head aside from balance.
Most of the time, if a patient visits a Draper chiropractor for neck pain, migraines, vertigo, or other associated health issues, the root of the problem lies in the upper cervical spine.
Now that you know the neck’s components, let’s discuss five common reasons for neck pain. Later in this article, we’ll also share a natural method that can help you heal and get long-lasting relief from neck pain.
Five Leading Causes of Neck Pain
In our experience, patients that have come up to us for pain relief mention the following reasons for their neck pain.
1. Osteoarthritis
This is a common form of arthritis that affects millions of people from all over the world. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that acts as cushions between vertebrae wears down. This disorder can cause pain in the affected part of the spine, including the neck. Osteoarthritis is also commonly found in the hands, feet, knees, and hips.
2. Trauma
When the head or neck of an individual is subjected to heavy trauma, chances are, they will experience neck pain. Accidents or injuries involving the neck and head area commonly lead to misalignments in the cervical spine. Whiplash injuries, for example, can result from these accidents or injuries and can lead to neck issues that do not disappear for a long time. Head and neck injuries might not heal well without the help of health professionals like a doctor, a Draper chiropractor, or a physical therapist.
3. Spinal Stenosis
The main purpose of the spinal column is to protect the spinal cord that connects our brains to the rest of the body. When a person has spinal stenosis, the space where their spinal cord lies becomes narrower. This condition adds excess pressure to the spinal cord, leading to painful sensations in the neck and other body parts. Spinal stenosis can also lead to arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and other related conditions.
4. Disc Degeneration
Aside from cartilage, each of the spinal bones is separated by spinal discs. Those found in the neck are called cervical discs, and they prevent the vertebrae from rubbing together. Disc degeneration occurs with age. However, specific injuries and underlying health conditions such as misalignments in the spinal area can accelerate the process. Disc degeneration can lead to nerve irritation and may result in chronic neck and back pain.
5. Misalignment
A misalignment in the neck can lead to several other conditions aside from chronic neck pain. For example, stenosis, migraines, vertigo, trigeminal neuralgia, and other conditions. Misalignments are very common and may be caused by several things, including poor posture and trauma. For misalignment issues, assessment and adjustment are necessary to prevent any long-term damage to the spine.
Five Steps to Getting Rid of Neck Pain
Now that you are aware of what might be causing your neck pain, the next step is to learn how to prevent them. Here are five ways to keep neck pain away, as suggested by our Draper chiropractor:
1. Maintain proper posture
Poor posture directly affects the spine. It may accelerate disc degeneration and lead to spinal stenosis, misalignments, and chronic neck pains. The key to good posture is becoming aware of how you stand, sit, walk, drive, and even sleep. Once you can train your body, it will correct its posture on its own without any thought.
2. Adjust your sleeping habits
Sleeping in a specific position is also a contributor to neck pain. If you tend to lie on your stomach when sleeping, chances are you’d experience neck discomfort to a certain degree once you wake up. Falling asleep on your back or side can help you prevent neck pain.
3. Consume technology mindfully
When you spend lots of time on your phone or work at a desk, your neck faces the issue of holding up or balancing your head. Once you look down towards your phone or monitor, your neck will have to adjust to this position, resulting in muscle soreness, neck pain or stiffness, and possible misalignments. Make sure to adjust your gadgets towards you, not the other way around.
4. Drive safely
Following traffic guidelines, wearing your seatbelt, and driving safely can help you prevent car accidents that can lead to long-term damages and neck issues.
5. Consult with an upper cervical chiropractor
Upper cervical chiropractors focus on the topmost bones of the spine, which are also known as the atlas and axis. We can prevent and correct any issues connected to misalignments in the upper cervical spine. Does upper cervical chiropractic care sound new to you? Read on to learn more about it.
Certified Draper Chiropractor for Neck Pain
Taking painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other prescription medicines for neck pain helps relieve pain and other symptoms. However, these medications can only offer temporary comfort. They are not used to address underlying issues like misalignments. A Draper chiropractor practicing upper cervical chiropractic can correct these misalignments, leading to better healing and recovery from the condition.
Dr. Cheney uses a gentle, safe, and natural technique to adjust the neck back into place. If you experience chronic neck pain, upper cervical chiropractic care may be what you need for long-lasting relief.
Do you want to learn more about the benefits upper cervical chiropractic care has to offer? We at Source Chiropractic and Wellness can help. Please consult with us by calling 385-237-3110 or by filling out our contact form.
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.
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