Neck pain, the onset
Where does neck pain come from? To answer this question we need to look at the function, location and use of the neck. Also, there appears to be a relation between previously suffered neck injury and recurrence of symptoms.
Regardless of the cause of the problem, neck pain can usually be solved in a few treatments.
Neck pain, and the function of the neck
What does a neck do exactly? Most people think that the neck is used to rotate the head. However this is not the case. The rotation of the head is mostly generated by the movement of the upper two cervical vertebras, the atlas and the shifter. The other vertebra can only bend and extend and barely rotate, much like the lower back. The lower back and the neck are the areas where people experience the most problems.
If one of the cervical vertebra is not functioning well, some people call this out of alignment, the other vertebra compensate for this restriction of movement. Thus, the forces on the other vertebra tend to be larger and this can provoke neck pain.
Neck pain and its location in the body
The neck is located high in the body. Nevertheless if there is a problem in the lower part of the body, such as a sprained ankle, the neck compensates it. This is the reason that the neck is so flexible, it must be able to compensate problems in the body. The flexibility of the neck also makes it vulnerable.
Neck pain and use in daily life
Neck pain can arise as a result of our work or hobbies. Because of changing times and activities in daily life we are now straining our necks more than ever before. How often do we look at our mobile phones? The devices that make our lives easier in many ways, are putting more strain on our bodies. Often we are sitting with an extended neck, our backs flexed looking at the computer. This posture can cause neck pain. To prevent this, it is wise to do exercises on a regular basis to keep supple muscles and joints. See www.balancingmotions.com/exercises for complete exercise programs. kom
Neck pain and manual therapy
Neck problems are very common. Consequences may include loss of concentration, headaches, dizziness and shoulder pain. All of these symptoms may disappear within two weeks. If you still have problems after two weeks then you need to be treated with manual therapy. Because there is a chemical change in the structure of the tendons that does not go away automatically unless it is treated by manual therapy. When you do not treat the neck pain the problem will reoccur.
A neck pain is rarely limited to just the neck
It is essential to make a good analysis before starting any treatment in the neck-shoulder region as it is rarely a problem just limited to this area. Neck pain forces us to start moving in a different way. Changing the way we move can provoke stress in the shoulders and upper back.
When only treating the neck, without considering the rest of the shoulder region, we can have a short term effect but the problem can recur time after time.
Neck pain and exercise
Returning neck pain is often caused in other parts of the body, for example in the shoulder. There are several muscles originating in the shoulder and upper back who are inserted in the neck. Poor posture in the lower back can also cause bad muscle tension in the neck.
Strengthen the entire back and shoulders
The neck should be supported by the rest of the body. That is why it is important that in case of neck pain we make an analysis of the relation between neck muscles and the rest of the body. An exercise program for neck pain should consist of exercises for the shoulders, back and even for the arms or legs. You can find an exercise program for the neck on www.balancingmotions.com/neckpain