Every Alberta neck chiropractor based in Calgary would agree that neck pain is quite a complicated condition to deal with. There are a handful of causes and triggers, whether due to injuries or a pre-existing condition.
Neck pain is any type of pain that occurs in the neck, from the base of the skull to the top of the shoulders. Depending on the condition, it may also spread to the arms and upper back. And when this kind of pain occurs, you may be unable to move your head and neck as freely as normal.
In this article, I will explain how neck pain can happen and how it affects people. I will also reveal a natural form of care that could provide long-term relief from this condition.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Neck Structure
The neck is made up of vertebrae that run from the skull to the upper torso. In between these bones are cervical discs, which act as shock absorbers when there is impact. The muscles, bones, and ligaments surrounding the area are there to support the head and allow for more free-flowing motion.
Neck pain is usually the result of injuries, inflammation, and certain abnormalities.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, download our free e-book by clicking the image below.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Neck pain itself is a common occurrence. The discomfort may be due to poor posture, overusing of muscles, or accidents like sports collisions or bad falls. Other daily activities such as improper sleeping position, slouching, and even doing too much overhead work may cause pain.
Here are some other causes:
Muscle tension or strain: As mentioned above, a primary cause for neck pain is holding an unbalanced or awkward position for a prolonged period. This also includes sitting at a desk for hours and jerking the neck while working out.
The most common culprit for this type of neck pain is sleeping in an awkward position. Doing so may bring about unbearable pain and discomfort that may last a few days.
Injuries: The mobility of the neck makes it susceptible to injuries. A sudden jerking motion of the neck is referred to as a whiplash injury. It may happen from a bad fall or a hard collision like a car accident.
If the injury fractures one of the vertebrae, damage to the spinal cord may occur.
Meningitis: Meningitis happens when there is an inflammation of the thin tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms are fever and headache, along with a stiff neck.
Once you feel these symptoms, seek immediate help. When left untreated, meningitis may turn fatal.
Heart attack: Unbeknownst to many, neck pain is one of the many precursors of a heart attack. But unlike normal neck pain, other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sweating, arm and jaw pain, as well as shortness of breath.
Just like with meningitis, it is best to distinguish if the symptoms that a person is experiencing are related to a serious health condition.
Spinal stenosis: When you feel your spinal column narrowing and putting pressure on the spinal cord, you’re likely experiencing spinal stenosis. This condition can also affect the nerve roots that exit the vertebrae.
Spinal stenosis is usually a condition brought on by other pre-existing disorders like arthritis, which cause long-term inflammation.
Spondylosis: Spondylosis is a byproduct of the degeneration of cervical disks. Some doctors refer to it as osteoarthritis of the neck.
Similar to spinal stenosis, spondylosis may also cause the narrowing of the space between the vertebrae. As a result, the joints endure undue stress.
Herniated cervical disk: Injuries or trauma may lead to the herniation of a cervical disk. When this happens, the said disk may end up protruding, adding pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Others refer to it as a ruptured or slipped disk, and it can be very painful and debilitating.
When to Consult a Medical Doctor for Neck Pain
In most cases, a few days or rest and certain homeopathic methods are good enough to relieve neck pain. But there are cases when you’ll need immediate medical attention, such as swollen glands, a lump on the neck, tingling and numbness, or bladder problems.
You must also look for other severe signs such as the inability to move both arms and legs, and if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Additional signs to watch out for are the inability to touch your chin to your chest, fever, nausea and vomiting. When these symptoms occur, seek help right away.
Finding Natural and Long-Term Relief for Neck Pain
Injuries from the past can cause neck pain many years down the road. This could be due to the upper cervical vertebrae being out of alignment.
Known as the C1 and C2 vertebrae, these bones tend to misalign due to injury or sudden movements like falling. The incorrect alignment of the vertebrae puts pressure on the brainstem, which may cause other disorders such as migraines, vertigo, and even fibromyalgia.
Upper cervical chiropractic care can help shift the vertebrae back to their proper alignment.
At Hunter Spinal Care, I use gentle and precise methods to bring the spine back into its correct alignment. And because neck pain cases vary from one person to another, my methods are specifically tailored to each individual patient.
As a veteran Alberta neck chiropractor based in Calgary, I encourage you to try it out for yourself. If neck pain is a problem for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to give me a call at (403) 266-2283. You can also use our online contact form to request a complimentary consultation.
To schedule a consultation with Vibe Health & Spine, call our Calgary office at (403) 266-2283. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
