Understanding neck pain
Causes and solutions
Neck pain is a very broad term that could indicate many different diagnoses.
Sometimes, neck pain can be accompanied by radiating pain towards the shoulder blade or – in some cases – towards the arms. Radiation of pain, and also changes in sensation (pins and needles, tingling, numbness) always suggests a degree of nerve involvement. In some cases, the compression can be located in one or more cervical vertebrae, and can originate different types of headache and migraine.
Neck pain can also present with a decrease in the normal range of motion, stiffness, pain, and often with a “grinding” feeling when moving. Most of the times, a reduced range of motion suggests a degenerative process, like osteoarthritis. Bear in mind that cervical spinal manipulation is only one of the multiple options available to the client, and not always the most effective one. There can be contraindications to spinal manipulation, like reduced bone density (osteoporosis), previous spinal surgery with or without insertion of metal plates; fused segments, etc. For these reasons a thorough full medical history and examination is absolutely a “must” before carrying out any sort of treatment.
“Tech neck”: modern-day strain on neck health
Tech neck, also known as text neck or smartphone neck, is a modern-day syndrome that has become increasingly prevalent due to our reliance on technology. It refers to the strain and discomfort experienced in the neck and upper back as a result of prolonged and improper use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
As technology continues to advance, we find ourselves spending more and more time hunched over our devices, often with poor posture. This constant forward head and rounded shoulder position puts excessive stress on the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck and upper back, leading to the development of tech neck syndrome.
The symptoms of tech neck syndrome can vary but commonly include neck pain, stiffness, and tension. Individuals may also experience shoulder pain, headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms, and even muscle weakness. Prolonged and untreated tech neck can result in chronic pain and significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being.
The main contributing factor to tech neck syndrome is the position in which we hold our devices. When using smartphones or tablets, we often tilt our heads forward and downward, straining the muscles and putting the spine out of its natural alignment. Similarly, spending long hours sitting at a desk, staring at a computer screen with poor ergonomics, can exacerbate the problem.
Prevention and management of tech neck syndrome are crucial to maintaining neck health in the digital age.
Image courtesy: Health Line
Importance of chiropractic care: expert chiropractor treatment near you
Restoring proper joint motion, allowing surrounding tissues to heal properly, is the objective of chiropractic care when patients walk in with neck pain.
Because your health is our priority, at Alive Chiropractic in Dorchester, Dorset we never treated and will never treat clients without having conducted a thorough consultation and full examination. Our reputation and our reviews represent our credentials for any prospect client that would like to make use of our services. Call us on 01305602314 to schedule your appointment.
A collection of informative and engaging videos that offer visual insights into the world of chiropractic care. Visual content is a powerful tool for education and empowerment, allowing you to deepen your understanding of chiropractic principles, techniques, and the benefits of maintaining a healthy spine.
