Neck Pain in Jersey
Without a doubt, neck pain is one of the most common complaints we see at our practice. Considering how much time people spend at their workstations or on their digital devices at home, it’s no surprise that many suffer from neck pain.
Signs and symptoms of neck pain include the following: muscle tightness and spasms a decreased ability to move your head, and a headache.
It’s rare for neck pain to be a symptom of a more serious problem. If, however, your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands, or if you have shooting pain in your shoulder or down your arm, we may recommend that you see your GP before starting treatment or that you have an X-ray or MRI scan.
What Are the Common Causes?
Because your neck is flexible and supports the weight of your head, it can be susceptible to injuries and conditions that result in pain and limited motion. Here are some of the most common causes of neck pain:
Muscle strains. Sitting hunched over your computer for hours often triggers muscle strains. Even reading in bed—particularly if you don’t have proper neck support—can strain neck muscles.
Worn joints. As you age, your neck joints tend to wear down. Osteoarthritis causes the cushions (cartilage) between your bones (vertebrae) to deteriorate. Your body then develops bone spurs that affect joint motion and result in pain.
Nerve compression. Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of your neck can put pressure on the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord.
Injuries. A rear-end auto collision often results in a whiplash injury. This type of injury occurs when the head is jerked backward and then forward, resulting in the soft tissues of the neck being strained.
Our Approach to Addressing Neck Pain
Spinal manipulation methods such as the Diversified Technique or Activator Technique are two very effective treatment modalities that usually work quickly to alleviate neck pain in combination with appropriate soft tissue techniques such as massage, dry needling or trigger point therapy. Occasionally, we may also recommend traction to alleviate nerve compression in the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take until patients typically notice relief?
Do you take any special precautions when adjusting the neck?
How do you calm a nervous patient?
A Patient Success Story
Mr P presented after having woken up the same morning with intense pain in his neck and being unable to turn his head right or left. The pain was described as very sharp in nature and radiating from a stabbing pain at the side of the neck to his right shoulder. He did not have any previous history of neck problems but had been under a lot of stress lately, working long hours in front of the computer. Besides his neck pain, his general health history was good.
A full history and orthopedic examination revealed a diagnosis of an ‘acute, cervical facet joint syndrome with associated muscle guarding’. After discussing the care with the patient it was decided that a course of spinal manipulative therapy and acupuncture (dry needling) would be the best treatment plan for Mr P. By the second treatment, he reported a noticeable improvement but that he was still very stiff and in pain. After the fourth treatment, a good increase in Mr P’s range of movement was recorded, and he reported a general improvement of 50%. After a further four treatments, Mr P was signed off with a full recovery. The total treatment time took place over a 4-week period.
Say No to Neck Pain
Get relief from your neck pain with chiropractic care and our other modalities. Contact The Wellness Centre (Castle Quay) today to book an appointment.
