Neck Pain

The cervical spine (Neck) is composed of a network of nerves, bones, joints, vasculature and muscles. It consists of seven distinct vertebrae providing support and mobility for the head. These seven bones are linked together by facet joints. Your neck has a tough job, holding and moving the same weight as a bowling ball all day long. It is responsible for various movements of the head such as flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion. There are a variety of causes that can contribute to neck pain, but the most common cause is a muscle strain.

Signs and Symptoms of Neck Pain?

• Stiff neck: Pain with movement
• General Soreness and or tenderness
• Radicular Pain: The pain can radiate along the path of a nerve either into the shoulder or into the arms
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Neurological deficits, weakness lack of sensation, changes in reflexes
• Headaches: Strained or tight neck musculature can refer pain into the head. Examples include cervicogenic headaches or tension type headaches.

Causes of Neck Pain?

• Poor Posture: Poor sleeping posture, long periods of time slouching or hunched over can put extra stress on the neck and lead to injury.
• Repetitive motions: Turning the head repetitively can aggravate the soft tissues in the cervical spine
• Trauma: Motor vehicle accidents, whiplash, falls, sports injuries.
• Cervical Osteoarthritis
• Cervical Herniated Disc
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Emotional Stress: Stress, anxiety, and low social support have been linked to potential causes of neck pain
• Infection: Meningitis
• Spinal Tumour
• Structural Anomalies: Spondylolisthesis

Treatment Options

• Manual Therapy & Spinal Manipulative Therapy
• Exercise
• Acupuncture
• Massage Therapy
• Modalities: Ice, heat, IFC, Laser
• Trigger point therapy