Reducing Neck Pain with Chiropractic Care

Your neck is the most vulnerable part of your spine.  Not only does it support your 10 to 12 pound head, maintain a gentle forward curve and permits head rotation, but must also allow the free flow of nerve impulses to the head, face, hands and the rest of your body.

There are many causes of neck pain such as improper use of the telephone, watching TV, using your computer, reading a book or falling asleep in a chair of on an airplane.  The most common cause of neck pain is functional distortions in the spine resulting from vertebral subluxations.  These subluxations are seen in cases of reverse cervical curve, whiplash and joint instability.  The body responds by tightening muscles in the neck, "splinting" the joint to protect it from further insult.

Most of the pain-sensing nerves in the neck are located in the pairs of facet joints on the back side of each vertebra.  These smooth, interlocking surfaces allow you to rotate your head and bend your head up and down.  If these joints are locked or fixated, neck pain can result.

Our response to stress is another common cause of neck pain.  Deadlines, rush-hour traffic, over commitments, work pressures, family obligations... since the weakest link in our bodies is our neck, stress shows up there.  Chiropractic care can help improve your ability to handle and tolerate stress without drugs or surgery - it improves function and structure.