San Diego Chiropractor States: Whiplash is A Pain In The Neck
When we wake up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the propensity is to blame the condition on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also make an effort to figure out what is taking place when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is seldom the cause of most neck problems, but instead the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, poor work and lifestyle habits, and lack of proper exercise for strength and flexibility. Obviously, some neck misalignments are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.
In order to understand neck pain, it is important to have knowledge of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is piloted by neck vertebrae that are made of posterior joints, called facets, that link vertebrae to one another. Inter-vertebral discs, made of strong cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. In a canal located between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae and supply the energy to make the muscles and other organs of the body function. They also carry impulses from the body to the brain with respect to pain, touch, position, temperature, as well as other senses. The nerves that leave from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your San Diego Chiropractor.
Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use
Computer use has risen considerably over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers assume-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under enormous strain. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed causing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve pain. In addition to general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can generate symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. When the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels that are connected with structures in the head are stretched or irritated thus causing symptoms from a dull ache to throbbing pain. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head. Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Still, the alignment of the neck and the agitation of surrounding tissues should be a foremost consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally valuable in the treatment of headaches. Your San Diego Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.
Whiplash and Chiropractic Care
Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Beyond question the most common auto accident is when one car collides into the rear-end of another car. During such an accident, the passenger in the front automobile gets his or her head powerfully wrenched backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a powerful force can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. In addition to neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are attendant with whiplash injury. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are vital in order to rule out a fracture. Usually in almost all cases, the injuries are principally to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is crucial in healing from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your San Diego Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from start to finish.
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