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Neck Pain

Most causes of neck pain are musculoskeletal
in nature and are related to posture.

Your cervical spine (neck) consists of 7 vertebrae, intervertebral discs, joints, muscles, ligaments and fascia (connective tissue). Dysfunction of any of these structures could lead to pain and discomfort. People commonly complain of neck pain---is there any doubt as to why? For many Americans, the routine is clearly set. Drive to work (tense the neck), sit in front of a computer for 8 hours (tense the neck), stress-out about work (tense the neck), drive home from work (tense the neck). Or perhaps you are like 120,000 other Americans who (this year) suffered from whiplash following a motor vehicle accident.  Maybe your work or play requires you to engage in slumped or hunched over postures. Most causes of neck pain are musculoskeletal, and many neck pain sufferers respond well to chiropractic management.

With manual therapy (manipulation, mobilization, myofascial release), gentle stretching procedures, muscle relaxation exercises, rehabilitative exercises and ergonomic/biomechanical advice you may be able to get rid of that pain in the neck!

Recently, the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders was established to review scientific research and create reports which would discuss the management of neck pain. This task force has reported that neck pain is a widespread condition which tends to recur. They indicate that there are many causes of neck pain, and that various factors may contribute to the onset of neck pain. Interestingly, many of the treatments recommended by the neck pain task force (for the common causes of neck pain) are offered at Lehigh Valley Chiropractic. These include manipulation, mobilization, manual therapy and education. Other treatments recommended but not provided at LVC include acupuncture and low level laser therapy. Treatments that are unlikely to help the most common causes of neck pain include cervical collars, passive modalities (TENS, ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation), injections (like corticosteroid injection in the cervical facet joints), radiofrequency neurotomies (heating of nerves in the neck to decrease pain) and surgery. Lehigh Valley Chiropractic offers evidence based non-invasive alternatives that may provide you with relief.

References

1. Haldeman S, Carroll L, Cassidy D, Schubert J, Nygren A. The bone and joint decade 2000-2010 task force on neck pain and its associated disorders: executive summary. Spine. 15Feb 2008; 33(4S): S5-S7.

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