Call us: 662 097 657 / 931 527 281
Contact us:
Tel. : 662097657 / 931527281
Call us: 662 097 657 / 931 527 281
Neck pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, from muscle strains to injuries or underlying health problems.
In this article, we will explore:
Neck pain, technically known as cervicalgia, manifests itself as discomfort or discomfort in the region of the cervical spine, which includes the upper seven vertebrae of the spine. This area is especially vulnerable to strains and injuries due to its flexibility and range of motion.
Muscle Tensions: These can be the result of poor posture, sudden movements or holding an uncomfortable position for a long time.
Injuries: Injuries, such as those caused by car or motorcycle accidents, falls or sports injuries. Even seemingly minor injuries can trigger uncomfortable symptoms.
Disk Problems: The intervertebral discs in the cervical spine can degenerate over time, whether due to trauma, poor posture or repetitive movements, which can lead to herniated discs.
Degenerative diseases: like osteoarthritis.
Lifestyle Factors: Lack of exercise, obesity, and stress can contribute to neck pain.
The main difference between acute pain and chronic pain lies in the duration and nature of the pain:
Acute Pain:
Duration: Acute pain is short-lived, generally lasting less than six weeks.
Symptoms: Acute pain can be intense and sudden. It may be accompanied by swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the neck.
Chronic Pain:
Duration: Chronic pain persists for a long period of time, beyond six weeks.
Symptoms: Chronic pain is continuous or recurring. It can vary in intensity and is often associated with persistent discomfort, stiffness, and limitations in mobility.
Importantly, acute pain can progress to chronic pain if not managed properly or if the underlying cause is not treated. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical and/or chiropractic care for persistent neck pain to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, numbered C1 to C7. These vertebrae are responsible for providing support and mobility to the neck and head. Any misalignment, muscle tension or injury to these vertebrae can cause neck pain.
When the cervical spine is not properly aligned, it can compress the spinal nerves that branch from the spinal cord. This nerve compression can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms associated with neck pain.
Chiropractors make specific adjustments to the cervical spine to correct subluxations and relieve tension in the muscles and joints. This can help improve mobility, reduce pain and stiffness.
The chiropractor intervenes in the progressive correction of misalignments in the cervical spine, also considering other joints such as the cervico-thoracic vertebral junction, shoulders, scapulae, and skull, since all of these areas have an impact on the neck.
Additionally, the chiropractor will provide suggestions on exercises to strengthen the neck muscles and correct posture, with the intention of preventing possible tension and injuries in the future.
Cervical pain can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Chiropractic offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to relieving and preventing neck pain, addressing underlying causes and promoting overall health.
In the next segment of this article, we will explore whiplash and microtrauma in more detail:
Whiplash, also known as cervical sprain, is in fact one of the most common traumas that affect the cervical spine. This type of injury occurs when the head moves suddenly back and then forward, usually due to an event such as a car accident, sports collision, or other type of impact.
This injury can cause damage to the soft tissues of the neck, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and to the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms can vary in severity and duration, but can include neck pain, stiffness, headache, fatigue, pain in the shoulders and arms, and in more severe cases, neurological problems.
It is important to note that not all people will experience these short-term consequences after whiplash. In many cases, consequences can arise long term, sometimes years after the initial injury. This variability in the occurrence of consequences makes continuous monitoring even more important.
The chiropractor evaluates whiplash injury by performing a complete physical examination, reviewing the patient's medical history, and using diagnostic imaging such as x-rays. This evaluation helps determine the severity of the injury and identify any vertebral subluxations that may require chiropractic adjustments.
If vertebral subluxations are found in the neck, the chiropractor can perform gentle, targeted chiropractic adjustments to realign the vertebrae. These adjustments can help restore normal function to the cervical spine and reduce pain.
It is important to note that if chiropractic cannot offer the necessary help, the patient will be referred to the most appropriate professional to address their case.
Repetitive movements in the neck, such as those that occur in certain work or sports activities, can cause microtrauma to the neck tissues over time. These microtraumas can accumulate and cause chronic pain or more serious injuries.
Improper posture: Maintaining poor posture for long periods of time can put repetitive strain on the muscles of the neck and surrounding tissues.
Repetitive movements: Performing repetitive movements with the neck or head, such as turning or tilting it excessively, can cause tension and microtrauma to the tissues of the neck.
Work activities: Some professions or jobs may require repetitive neck movements or exposure to vibrations, increasing the risk of microtrauma. For example, workers who perform construction tasks or operate heavy machinery may be at risk.
Sport activities: Sports that involve sudden movements of the neck, such as boxing, rugby or American football, can expose athletes to microtrauma to the neck.
Use of electronic devices: Excessive use of electronic devices can lead to a sustained head-down position, which puts pressure on the neck and upper back.
Stress: Prolonged stress can cause tension in the neck muscles.
Previous injuries: Previous injuries to the neck, even if apparently healed, can leave the tissues weakened and make them more prone to microtrauma in the future.
The chiropractor performs a thorough evaluation of the posture and cervical spine to identify misalignments and areas of tension. Use specialized clinical assessment techniques to understand the cause of microtrauma.
Employs chiropractic adjustment techniques to correct misalignments and improve cervical joint mobility. These adjustments are precise and gentle, intended to restore the natural alignment of the spine.
Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the cervical area, contributing to recovery and overall well-being.
If you suffer from neck pain, or related symptoms, we recommend that you consult with a chiropractor.
In Spain, if you are looking for a chiropractor, verify that they are a member of the Asociación Española de Quiropráctica(AEQ), which brings together exclusively Chiropractic graduates with a university degree issued by one of the Chiropractic universities recognized by the European Council of Chiropractic Education.
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