To understand neck pain, it is helpful to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are comprised of posterior joints, called facets, that connect vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of strong cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The main function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and supply energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The neck has a natural forward curve when viewed from the side that helps properly balance the weight of the head, as well as to decrease stress on the neck joints. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen significantly over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users take on), puts tremendous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed producing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. Awkward posture and repetitive stress can create spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve inflammation. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can cause symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are usually associated with disorders of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are caused when the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, connected with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Many other factors are related to headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the cause of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such an accident, the passenger in the front car gets his or her head powerfully wrenched backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a strong force can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is crucial to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in most cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper treatment is essential in recovery from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from beginning to end.

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