Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain

If you suffer from intermittent or chronic neck pain, you probably have a keen appreciation for the oft-used phrase “It’s a real pain in the neck.” The severity of neck pain can range from a mere irritation to pain so severe that it’s debilitating. Neck pain can have many different causes, including:
·         Whiplash injury from a car crash
·         Injury from a fall
·         Concussion
·         Prolonged sessions in front of a computer screen
·         Prolonged reading sessions
·         Improper support of the neck and head while sleeping
·         Scoliosis
Neck pain is also called cervical pain because the pain originates in the cervical vertebrae of the spine. During trauma to the head or neck, the cervical vertebrae can be damaged or pushed out of their normal alignment. Nerves of the spinal cord and blood vessels are protected by and channeled through the vertebrae of the spinal column. When vertebrae become abnormally positioned, the nerves can be pinched and produce pain in various parts of the body. Pinched blood vessels can cause reduced blood flow that starves the brain and other organs of necessary oxygen.
Even without a sudden occurrence of head or neck trauma, it’s possible to get cervical vertebrae out of place by holding one’s head in the same position for long periods of time; this is likely to occur when reading or working at a computer for several hours. Over time, and without even realizing it, we slowly cause a misalignment of the cervical spine. This condition is very common in children and adults alike.
Another source of cervical misalignment is improper support of the neck and head while sleeping. The best pillow is one that firmly supports the neck and head in a natural position while lying in bed. Ask your chiropractor for advice about the best pillow for your particular body.
With knowledge and skill, your chiropractor can adjust your vertebrae to correct spinal misalignments, thus relieving the pain of pinched nerves and blood vessels.