Neck pain is on the rise globally, affecting approximately two-thirds of individuals at some point in their lives. Chiropractors use indicators such as limitations in cervical and upper thoracic range of motion, presence of cervical pain-related headaches, history of trauma, and referred or radiating pain into the upper limbs to classify a patient with neck pain into the following categories:
Neck pain with decreased range of motion, where specific neck movements consistently reproduce symptoms
Neck pain with movement coordination impairments, often due to trauma or whiplash injury
Neck pain with cervicogenic headaches, which are non-continuous and one-sided, triggered by certain neck movements or sustained postures
Neck pain with radiating upper extremity pain, tingling or numbness, and muscle weakness
Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain the muscles in the neck, causing pain and discomfort. This strain can occur due to activities like prolonged sitting, working at a computer, or sleeping in an awkward position.
Trauma or Injury: Whiplash from car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other physical traumas can cause neck pain. The sudden impact can strain or damage the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the neck.
Poor Posture: Slouching, hunching over electronic devices, or maintaining an improper posture while sitting or standing for extended periods can strain the neck muscles and lead to discomfort.
Herniated Discs: Discs between the vertebrae in the neck can herniate or bulge due to wear and tear or trauma. This condition can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates down the arms.
Degenerative Conditions: Conditions like osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, or degenerative disc disease can lead to the breakdown of neck joints and discs, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Pinched Nerves: Nerve compression or irritation in the cervical spine due to conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs can cause neck pain, along with symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.
Stress and Tension: Emotional stress and tension can cause muscles in the neck and shoulders to tighten, leading to discomfort and pain.
Diseases: In rare cases, neck pain can be a symptom of certain medical conditions like infections, tumours, or inflammatory diseases affecting the spine or surrounding tissues.
Chiropractic care aims not only to alleviate immediate neck pain but also to address the root cause of discomfort. The personalized nature of chiropractic treatment allows for tailored approaches, considering individual factors contributing to neck pain, such as posture, daily activities, and spinal alignment. Recommendations for lifestyle modifications, including exercises, stretches, and ergonomic changes, are often integrated into treatment plans to support long-term neck health.