Neck Pain

Neck pain, or cervical pain, is a common condition we see amongst Northern Beaches residents at Curl Curl Chiropractic. There are a number of different treatment options when it comes to getting a diagnosis and treatment for your neck pain. As well as chiropractic, there is also physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, and osteopathy, just to name a few!

Most people will experience neck pain at some stage in their life.

Neck pain Cervical Chiropractor Northern Beaches
Understanding your neck

Neck pain Northern Beaches Chiropractor Daniel Ryken

Curl Curl Chiropractic

Your neck is a complex structure of bones (vertebrae), tendons, ligaments, joints, tendons and muscles. It has many jobs to do, housing your spinal cord which connects your nerves from your brain to the rest of the body. It also supports your head, which weighs approximately 5kg! On top of this, it has to allow movement of your head up and down, tilting side to side, and twisting your head from left to right. It is little wonder why your neck is prone to injury and pain when it has so many jobs that it has to be able to do!

There are a few different types of pain:

Severe neck pain – Often begins suddenly after a major accident like a car accident and is subject to a whiplash injury.

Acute neck pain – Can spread to the head, shoulders, arms, and hands. Muscles, ligaments, discs and nerves

Chronic neck pain – Is often related to a previous injury

Common Neck Injuries

Whiplash injuries – A sudden forced movement of the head and neck in any direction with a resulting rebound in the opposite direction, known as Whiplash. The sudden whipping motion of the head and neck injures the surrounding supporting tissues. Muscles react by tightening creating muscle fatigue and spasms which results in pain and stiffness. Sever whiplash can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Car accidents and sporting injuries are the most common causes of whiplash injuries that we see on the Northern Beaches.

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

Whiplash injury Northern Beaches Chiropractor Daniel Ryken Dee Why Manly Vale
Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that causes progressive deterioration of the cartilage or joint surface. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that affect joint motion.

Spinal Stenosis – This is a narrowing of the small passage where the nerve travels, causing compression and trapping the nerve roots. Spinal stenosis in the neck can cause pain in the neck, shoulder, and arm. It may also cause numbness when these nerves are not functioning properly.

Degenerative Disc Disease – Often causes a loss of height and elasticity of the intervertebral discs. Over time, the disc may bulge or herniate causing pain, tingling and/or numbness locally in the neck, and into the arm.

Daily Life – Repetitive strains, poor posture, obesity, and weak core muscles often cause neck pain.

Stress and emotional tension – Stress and emotions can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness. This combines with postural stress often contributes to chronic neck pain with symptoms also extending into the upper back and arms.

How Can You Prevent Neck Pain?

Ergonomics Northern Beaches Chiropractor Daniel Ryken
  • Maintain good posture when you sit and stand
  • Move your computer monitor to eye level
  • Change your habits. Take micro-breaks throughout the day, especially if you sit for long periods of time, or if you must take a long trip in the car.
  • Use a fairly firm pillow, and only sleep on your side or back.
  • Learn and recognise your signs of stress and take steps to relieve stress in your life on a regular basis.
  • Try regular exercises throughout the day and each week to maintain proper movement through your neck.