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Richard R. Fay, DC

Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment with DuPage Health and Physical Therapy


The neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. Incredibly, the cervical spine supports the full weight of your head, which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.


The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.


Here are some of the most typical causes of neck pain:


Injury and accidents: A sudden forced movement of the head or neck in any direction and the resulting “rebound” in the opposite direction is known as whiplash. The sudden “whipping” motion injures the surrounding and supporting tissues of the neck and head. Muscles react by tightening and contracting, creating muscle fatigue, which can result in pain and stiffness. Severe whiplash can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots. Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash.


Growing older: Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease directly affect the spine.


Osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder, causes progressive deterioration of cartilage. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that affect joint motion.


Spinal stenosis causes the small nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, compressing and trapping nerve roots. Stenosis may ause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as numbness, when these nerves are unable to function normally.


Degenerative disc disease can cause reduction in the elasticity and height of intervertebral discs. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing tingling, numbness and pain that runs into the arm.

Daily life: Poor posture, obesity and weak abdominal muscles often disrupt spinal balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate. Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness. Postural stress can contribute to chronic neck pain with symptoms extending into the upper back and the arms.


Text Neck: Your phone is an accessory that we don’t think of as an accessory. But looking down at our phone for hours and hours is a really big issue. The prolonged position puts stress on your cervical spine and cause pain in the neck. Try to rest your elbow on your abdomen and hold the phone straight out in front of your eyes.


How can Chiropractic Care help neck pain?

During your visit, the doctor will perform exams to locate the source of your pain and will ask you questions about your current symptoms and remedies you may have already tried.

For example:


  • When did the pain start?

  • What have you done for your neck pain?

  • Does the pain radiate or travel to other parts of your body?

  • Does anything reduce the pain or make it worse?


The doctor will also do physical and neurological exams. In the physical exam, the doctor will observe your posture, range of motion, and physical condition, noting movement that causes pain. The doctor will feel your spine, note its curvature and alignment, and feel for muscle spasm. A check of your shoulder area may also be performed. During the neurological exam, the doctor will test your reflexes, muscle strength, other nerve changes, and pain spread.


In some instances, the doctor might order tests to help diagnose your condition. An x-ray can show narrowed disc space, fractures, bone spurs, or arthritis. A computerized axial tomography scan (a CT or CAT scan) or a magnetic resonance imaging test (an MRI) can show bulging discs and herniation. If nerve damage is suspected, the doctor may order a special test called electromyography (an EMG) to measure how quickly your nerves respond.


Doctors of chiropractic are conservative care doctors; their scope of practice does not include the use of drugs or surgery. At DuPage Health and Physical Therapy, if we diagnoses a condition outside of this conservative scope, such as a neck fracture or an indication of an organic disease, we will refer you to the appropriate medical physician or specialist. We may also ask for permission to inform your family physician of the care you are receiving to ensure that your chiropractic care and medical care are properly coordinated.


Neck Adjustments

A neck adjustment (also known as cervical manipulation) is a precise procedure applied to the joints of the neck, usually by hand. A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion; it can also increase movement of the adjoining muscles. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and tilt the head, and a reduction of pain, soreness and stiffness.


At DuPage Health and Physical Therapy Center, we will develop a program of care that may combine more than one type of treatment, depending on your personal needs. In addition to manipulation, the treatment plan may include mobilization, massage or rehabilitative exercises, or something else.


If you are experiencing neck pain or discomfort, call us at (331) 401-5900. We can help!


For more information on prevention and wellness visit our website at www.dupagehealthpt.com or call us today at (331) 401-5900 to schedule a consultation.


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