Common Causes of Neck Pain

The neck is also known as the cervical spine and forms a major part of the skeletal system of the body and thus the spine. The neck starts at the base of the skull and contains many small bones or vertebrae. The cervical spine handles the weight of the head which is about 12 pounds and therefore it is essential that the neck health be maintained. 

The cervical spine or the neck has the ability to move the head in any direction and therefore is susceptible to several injuries and also pain. The susceptibility of the neck to injuries and pains is due to biomechanics to a certain extent. The cervical biomechanics are affected by several types of movements, events and activities like sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows. 

Neck pain is very bothersome and can be tough to handle. Neck pain also needs to be treated in the right manner and at the right time so that it does not develop into something more serious and problematic. The following are the most common causes of neck pain:

·         Injuries and accidents: Injuries and accidents are the most common causes of neck pain. An injury in the neck can occur because of a whiplash. A whiplash happens when the head or the neck moves in any direction suddenly causing the surrounding and supporting tissues and muscles of the neck to be injured. The neck muscles contract and relax and this may result in muscle fatigue which may lead to stiffness and pain in the neck. Neck pain can also occur when the ligaments, discs, nerve roots and muscles of the neck are injured.

·       Degenerative disorders: As the body gets older, it become more susceptible to wear and tear. There are many degenerative problems that can lead to neck pain. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative problem that causes progressive deterioration of the cartilages of the neck. Spinal stenosis causes the spinal passageway to narrow down causing the root nerves to compress. Stenosis causes neck pain, shoulder pain and also numbness because the muscles are not able to function in the right manner.

·     Lifestyle: A poor and unhealthy lifestyle can also lead to neck pain. Poor posture, obesity, weak abdominal muscles as well as a poor diet can all lead to problems in the cervical spine causing neck pain. Stress and emotional tension can also lead to muscles of the neck getting stiff and numb leading to neck pain. Neck pain because of poor posture needs to be treated immediately else it can lead to chronic neck pain that can further lead to several other health issues.

Mission Viejo Chiropractic aims at helping people deal with spine problems. We offer non-surgical treatments for spinal problems like back pain, neck pain, stenosis and degenerative disc disease. We work to find the root cause of the spinal problem and treat it completely.