Neck Pain

Are you suffering from neck pain?

Are you suffering from neck pain?

Neck pain can be very complex. The type of pain can be classified as acute or chronic, minor or severe. Pain in general is never a welcome symptom least of all when it affects such a key area of your body.
Considering the wide range of vectors the cervical spine, (neck) has at its disposal it is not surprising that things go wrong from time to time, especially when you throw extreme ranges of movement into the mix such as dancing, sports and poor posture. That’s right poor posture can have a huge bearing on how the small joints (facets and disc) articulate with one another. Imagine driving a car from London to Manchester in first gear-you would expect a problem to occur simply because the machine was not being used in a manner that best suited the task in hand. The same can be said for improper technique during sporting or physical activities, ergonomics at work or at home.

Neck Pain Causes

Although there are many causes for neck pain most require simple intervention to remedy the problem. Even if your pain refers distally from its original source such as in nerve entrapment, in most cases the solution is painless and quite straightforward through Osteopathic techniques.

A lot of pain can simply arise from tight or weak muscles, stiff joints or inflammation. Stress can also play a integral role in the development in such complaints. Understanding why this happens is more complex and will not be cover in this article.

Major and severe causes of neck pain include:

  • Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal.
  • Disc injuries – protruding or bulging discs, or if severe, prolapse.
  • Severe degeneration – usually as a result of past injuries or whiplash accidents.

More common and lesser pain provoking causes include:

  • Stress – physical and emotional stresses.
  • Prolonged static postures – either poor ergonomics at work or inappropriate neck positioning.
  • Minor injuries and traumas – car accidents, sporting activities and general wear and tear.
  • Referred pain.
  • Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes.

Neck pain causes are complex, from injuries to stress, from minor to severe – all are correctable if you take action. The causes of neck pains are no different to other back pain conditions. Neck pain is just less tolerated due to the smaller joints, more refined muscles and because you use your neck more.

Call today to discuss the pain you are experiencing. Do not suffer with a pain that could potentially be easily taken care of by your local Osteopath.