The following is an excerpt from "A Natural Method of Health Care - Introduction to Chiropractic" 10th edition. This important reference, a $12.95 value, is given to all new patients. If you would like a copy please contact our office, the Florida Chiropractic Association or you may order from Amazon.com.

Care Of The Cervical Spine (Neck)

Minor neck aches, pain and stiffness are something we all suffer with from time to time. Such annoyances are usually brought on by overwork or holding the head in an awkward position, such as sleeping upright in a chair. Fortunately, these are minor situations and clear up after a day of rest or a good night's sleep.

On the other hand, recurring aches, pains and stiffness of the neck, or discomfort that lasts more than twenty-four hours, should have professional evaluation. Persistent pain in the neck is a symptom of something gone wrong. Repeated episodes of stiff neck may indicate early stages of joint or disc degeneration.

The neck (cervical spine) contains the upper portion of the spinal cord and eight pairs of spinal nerves. The nerves of the cervical spine which are "pinched," or have pressure on them, can produce symptoms in various parts of the body. For example, pain between the shoulder blades and some arm complaints originate in the neck.

In addition to pain and stiffness, symptoms that may be caused by problems in the cervical (neck) spine can include: headache; dizziness; pain in the face, ears and scalp; pain in the shoulder-arm-hand; numbness and tingling in one or more of the fingers; throat discomfort; difficulty in breathing; and chest pains, to name some of the more common complaints. The neck is the most vulnerable part of the spinal column, subject to all sorts of major and minor injuries. It is composed of seven small bones (vertebrae) and supported by only muscles and ligaments which must hold and balance a head which weighs approximately ten pounds.

The neck is very susceptible to stresses and strains from any source and will often react violently to seemingly insignificant falls or accidents. According to some authorities, the neck is strained more frequently than any other structure in the body.

Common Causes of Neck Strain:

1. Bad posture - forward thrusted head with chin pointed up.
2. Overwork - continuing to work beyond endurance.
3. Muscular weakness.
4. Nervous and emotional tension.
5. Underlying disease, such as arthritis.
6. Accidents- falls or automobile "whiplash" injuries.
7. Military-type posture.

The type of discomfort or the pattern of pain sometimes serves as a clue to what is wrong.

For example:

1. A neck that is relatively pain-free in the morning and worsens as the day goes on, frequently indicates strain, fatigue or muscular weakness.
2. A neck that is stiff and painful in the morning and feels better as the day goes on, may indicate some underlying condition such as arthritis.
3. Neck pain that is aggravated by coughing or sneezing may indicate a disc herniation.
4. Dizziness, light-headedness, or pain that develops when the head is turned or elevated, is evidence of a possible vascular problem.

However, symptoms of lightheadedness, vertigo, unsteadiness, weakness, difficulty with balance also can be caused by an imbalance in the cervical (neck) spine. These symptoms when properly evaluated will determine the need for additional testing, referral, or the appropriateness of chiropractic conservative intervention.

Allow your doctor of chiropractic to determine what your needs are. His or her training will determine if you need additional specialized examination procedures such as, MRI, CT scan, EMG, Ultrasound or other specific testing to confirm the exact nature of your neck problem. Too often, a patient considers repeated episodes of a stiff neck as something very minor and expects one office visit to correct the entire problem. Sometimes this may be true, but more often and realistically the cause of the discomfort may require additional care and follow-up.

Management of the overall problem of a neck disorder should be supervised by your chiropractor. The care of structural defects, a disease process, cervical instability, etc., requires professional evaluation and supervision. This cannot be over- emphasized!

In addition to treatment for the specific condition, your doctor of chiropractic may recommend exercises to restore normal range of motion or to overcome muscular weakness, which can cause neck pain. Proper exercise may greatly help to alleviate aches, pains, tensions, and nerve irritations that may have developed as a result of strain, disease, injuries, or lack of use.

Weak muscles must struggle to get a person through the day, while well-toned muscles allow one to work and play without tiring. Exercising will develop more efficient muscles by improving tone and strengthening the muscles connected to the cervical spine. Ask your doctor of chiropractic about specific muscle strengthening exercises.

Range of motion exercises, while not designed to strengthen muscles, are an excellent means of helping to restore the normal motion to the joints of the cervical spine. This is especially important if an arthritic type condition is present. The key to joint function is mobility, flexibility and strength.

Once your neck problem has been brought under control, it is up to you to follow your doctor's advice on how to avoid further strain and acquire a stronger neck.

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