Headaches Are a Pain in the Neck
Our pillow, bed, or sleep position is not always the reason for our stiff and painful neck when we get up in the morning. We also attempt to figure out what is happening when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is hardly ever the cause of most neck problems, but rather the cumulative effects of unsuitable sitting posture, unhealthy work and lifestyle habits, and lack of beneficial exercise for strength and flexibility. Of course, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.
To understand neck pain, it is necessary to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck consist of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, comprised of dense cartilage, connect the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This strong cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is located between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and supply energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain. The nerves that exit from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.
Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use
More and more people are now making their living sitting at a desk in front of a computer. The use of computers has risen significantly, and many individuals spend eight to ten hours a day slumped over the keyboard and staring at the monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users adopt), puts enormous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed creating more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve pain. Besides general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can generate symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. When the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels that are associated with structures in the head are stretched or inflamed thus creating symptoms from a dull ache to throbbing pain. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head. Many other factors are connected with headaches such as toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless, the alignment of the neck and the agitation of surrounding tissues should be a main consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.
Whiplash and Chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such an accident, the passenger in the front automobile gets his or her head forcefully wrenched backward and then forward causing damage to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a intense force can cause injury to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is extremely important to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. Usually in many cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is essential in rehabilitation from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.