Neck pain

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common ailment that two thirds of people will experience at some point during their life. Usually caused by issues arising in the lower neck and upper back, this kind of pain can be a symptom of any number of spinal problems, strains and injuries.

While pain usually settles in a couple of days when attributed to prolonged poor posture and other, lesser injuries, severe ailments can mean that neck pain lasts for several months. Although usually not enough to warrant a visit to a doctor or hospital, your pain could be the symptom of a much more serious complication.

Recurring neck aches can suggest a much needed change in lifestyle while a bit of stiffness after a sporting injury, car crash or other incident might only require some chiropractic care, massage therapy or strength training for relief from this inhibiting type of pain.

The Cause of Neck Pain

Common reasons for pain in the neck and upper back are usually superficial and easily rectified.

Overuse and muscular strain is the most frequent cause of pain. Often people find themselves suffering after a lot of physical activity, turning their head sharply and not stretching correctly. This type of dull, stiff ache can last for three or four days and will return frequently if the muscles are not rested and proper precautions not taken before future high-level activities.

Prolonged or abnormal neck posture is indicative of an extended period of time spent in an awkward position. After falling asleep awkwardly on a couch or without proper head support, it’s not uncommon to wake up in agony. It’s a pain that can last a day or two and is incredibly inhibiting, limiting neck movement and constantly reminding you of its presence. This type of neck strain can also be caused by sitting poorly for long hours in front of a computer screen or craning your neck in any kind of unnatural position.

Stress can manifest itself through this symptom by causing you to involuntarily tense the muscles in your neck and upper back. Often in collaboration with strain and poor posture, stress will amplify your neck pain, leaving you feeling a lot worse.

Whiplash is a term that describes a range of injuries caused by the sudden excessive movements of the neck and is commonly associated with rear-end car accidents. Nearly any quick shock that sees the head ‘snap’ to one side can cause whiplash. Pain is usually felt through the neck, the shoulders and sometimes down the back. Mild symptoms can linger for up to seven and a half years after an incident.

In more serious cases, neck pain is caused by underlying conditions like spinal stenosis, infections, head and neck cancers and carotid artery dissection. Usually accompanied by a range of other symptoms, this form of neck pain will often last until properly treated by a healthcare professional.

Neck Pain Relief

The most common forms of neck pain can be linked to recent injuries or strains and treated through massage, chiropractic and strength training. At Velca, we look to provide relief and work on the source of the pain by improving spinal function, promoting a healthy lifestyle, discussing preventative methods with patients and ensuring there are no serious, underlying medical concerns.

A lot of neck pain can be relieved from chiropractic adjustments paired with exercise and massage therapy to loosen up, relax and provide support for the muscles. Spinal adjustments for more acute cases are extremely beneficial and can provide effective pain relief. If you are suffering from an underlying health complication, the team at Velca Health Centre can help to relieve pain and work with you to prevent it from returning in the future. Sometimes a solution is as simple as adjusting your computer monitor, but other times a completely revitalised focus on health and wellbeing is required to strengthen the support that your neck requires.

While some chiropractors might only focus on adjusting the spine to provide immediate relief, at Velca, we believe in working with you to prevent pain from coming back. Massage therapy can help ease the muscles, working out pain while chiropractic adjustments will help improve mobility and posture, but often improving your own fitness and health is the most effective way in the long-term to prevent neck pain. We work to help you break free from pain permanently.

Do I need to see my health professional?

When it is clear that the source of your neck pain stems from something more serious, it’s important that you see your health professional for treatment. Serious causes of neck pain are often accompanied by other symptoms, making it quite obvious when strain, posture or a minor injury isn’t to blame.

Long lasting neck pain can be a major concern. If we find that we cannot provide full relief for your pain at the Velca Health Centre, we’ll refer you to another more suited healthcare professional to get to the root of your suffering.

The majority of neck pain and related suffering that is caused by injury or strain can be lessened with help from our practitioners.