Neck Pain

Neck pain is very common. Most people will suffer one or more episodes of neck pain  during their lives. In many cases, it starts  suddenly and gets better quickly, without  the need for any treatment.

However, neck pain can be painful, debilitating and persistent, and some people suffer repeated episodes. It can also be associated with other symptoms, such as arm pain or headaches.  Neck pain may start following a traumatic incident, such as a road traffic collision, or it may start gradually, perhaps as a result of poor posture or an uncomfortable work position.

There are many different types of neck pain, with different causes. The key to getting the right treatment is to establish which type of neck pain you may be suffering from.

The majority of people with neck pain are suffering from  what is known as ‘simple’ or ‘mechanical’ neck pain.

This means that the pain is not related to any serious underlying condition and there are no trapped or compressed nerves. We do not always know the exact tissues that are involved in simple neck pain. Muscles, joints and ligaments can all be involved. Simple neck pain can be caused by poor posture or tension in the neck or shoulders. Poor sleeping patterns or an awkward sitting position can cause strains and sprains in the soft tissue of the neck.

As we get older, wear and tear may contribute to neck pain. The shock-absorbing pads between the bones of the neck (known as intervertebral discs) can narrow with age and this can cause stiffness, pain and make it difficult to move.

Neck pain may follow trauma. Sports injuries, minor falls and bumps may give rise to neck pain. Road traffic collisions may result in injuries to the soft tissues of the neck, and are often referred to as whiplash-associated disorders.

Simple neck pain is relatively common. Less frequently, the nerves in the neck can become trapped, compressed or irritated. There can be many reasons why this happens but damaged discs or wear and tear can lead to pain spreading to the shoulder and arm. This can be accompanied by pins and needles, tingling, numbness and weakness in all or part of the arm or hand.

People experience neck pain for all sorts of reasons. It might be the way they sit or stand, or because their  work or lifestyle places stress on their neck. Worry or  stress can cause tension in the neck and shoulders,  and can delay recovery of existing neck pain. However, there is often no obvious reason why neck pain develops.

Although it can be very painful, neck pain rarely has a  serious underlying cause. Seeing a qualified health professional, such as a chiropractor, who is experienced in diagnosing conditions of the neck and spine, can help treat neck pain, and also identify if a referral or specialist investigation is needed.

Neck pain can be very uncomfortable as the tissues  and structures of the neck are very susceptible to pain.

Neck pain can be felt in one or both sides of the neck,  in the base of the skull and into the shoulders. It can be  a sharp or dull pain, and can spread as far as the arm  and hand, even as far as the fingers.

If the pain does not go after a few days, or starts to  get worse, it is worth seeking professional advice.

Chiropractors specialise in assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions of the spine. They are highly trained in finding the cause of pain in the spine. In the UK they undergo a minimum of four years’ full-time training. Importantly, chiropractors are regulated by law and must work within strict professional and ethical boundaries.

Before starting treatment, your chiropractor will undertake a full assessment. This will involve taking details about your condition, current health and medical history, and performing a physical examination. Sometimes it may be necessary to refer you for other tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans or blood tests. It is important for your chiropractor to gather as much information about your neck pain as possible so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Before starting treatment, your chiropractor will explain  what is wrong, what can be done and what can be expected from chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractors are best known for manual treatments  such as spinal manipulation, where they use their hands  to free stiff or restricted joints, or mobilisation, which is the gradual moving of joints.

But they may also use other techniques such as certain types of acupuncture, electrotherapy, stretching exercises and rehabilitation, all of which form part of a chiropractor’s package of care. Your chiropractor may also offer lifestyle advice to help prevent repeated episodes of neck pain.

If your chiropractor does not think you can be helped by chiropractic treatment, you may be referred back to your GP or to another health professional. Chiropractors do  not prescribe medication, so if this is needed, you may  be referred back to your GP. As chiropractors support a joined-up approach to care, they may ask if they can  send a brief report to your GP.