NECK PAIN

WHAT IS NECK PAIN?

Neck pain can be so mild that it is merely annoying and

distracting.  Or it can be so severe that it is unbearable and

incapacitating. 



Most instances of neck pain (and stiffness) are minor and

commonly caused by something you did.  That is, if you keep your

head in an awkward position for too long the joints in your neck

can "lock" and the neck muscles can become painfully fatigued.

The price you pay for carelessness in how you position your head

and neck (say, while working, watching TV, using a computer,

reading a book, or talking on the phone with the receiver held

against your shoulder and under your chin), is a pain in the neck.

You may be one of the many unfortunates who, after a long and

tiring day, has "harmlessly" fallen asleep in a chair or in bed 

with your head propped up, only to awake with a stiff and painful

neck. Fortunately, most minor, posture-induced neck pain episodes 

clear up on their own after rest and efforts not to repeat the 

offending stresses on the neck.



But neck pain that just won't go away after a day or so is a more

serious matter.  Neck pain that lasts for many days or keeps

coming back is a signal that something isn't right.  Disease, an

injury (such as whiplash in an auto accident), a congenital

malformation, or progressive degeneration that can come with age 

may be responsible for the more significant pain you experience.  

An expert must determine the underlying causes of such neck pain.  

Examination, diagnosis and treatment by a doctor of chiropractic 

can relieve your mind and may quickly relieve your pain.

WHO SUFFERS FROM NECK PAIN?

Almost everyone experiences some sort of neck pain or stiffness

at one time or another.  Because you are human and walk upright,

your head is "balanced" atop your spinal column.  If the muscles

that support your head are not kept strong and in good condition,

the upper part of your spinal column is vulnerable to strains and

injuries.



Older people, whose joints have been worn by much use over time, 

are subject to osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint 

disease or DJD).  When this form of arthritis hits your back and 

neck, you feel it as neck pain that gets worse over time. The pain 

may radiate into your shoulders and arms, and you may feel numbness 

or tingling in hands and fingers.  Arthritis can also involve symptoms 

including headaches, dizziness, and even a grating/grinding feeling 

when you move your head.  It is very important for your chiropractor 

to examine you to rule out osteoarthritis or identify it and see that 

it is properly treated.

WHAT CAN CHIROPRACTIC DO?

Doctors of chiropractic have the training and skills to relieve your

neck pain, overcome stiffness, and restore the mobility and range of 

motion of any frozen neck vertebrae.  They are devoted to helping you 

get back to your normal pursuits and start feeling like yourself again.



Perhaps their most important contribution is their ability to bring

their specialized diagnostic skills, techniques, and equipment to bear 

in assessing what is causing your neck problems.  Your chiropractor 

can determine if you have a relatively minor and treatable condition 

or a more serious underlying condition (from disease, degeneration, or 

trauma) that may require more intensive, extended treatment or referral 

to a specialist.



Your chiropractor will ask you for detailed information on your behavior, 

posture, physical condition, and work and home environment.  He or she 

will obtain x-rays and other diagnostic images to pinpoint which of many 

possible causes is a responsible for your discomfort.  Only then will the 

appropriate treatment be recommended.



Once your normal feeling and function is restored, your chiropractor 

will be available to keep the muscles and joints of your neck and back 

in optimum condition to prevent recurrence of neck pain and related 

life-restricting symptoms.