Bottom Line:
Your neck has a tough job.
It has to hold, stabilize, and move the weight of your head… every day… for a lifetime.
Holding up 11 pounds may not seem like a lot, but the 7 bones and 20 muscles of your neck have to work together in perfect harmony to balance that weight so you can move your head around free of pain.
Postural changes, sudden injuries, and arthritis are just a few of the primary causes of neck pain, and that pain can often be traced to a problem with either the muscles, bones, discs, or nerves in your neck.
Why it Matters:
If you’ve ever wondered “why does my neck hurt” and been unable to turn your head for a day or two, you know how life-changing neck pain can be.
The sharp muscle spasms that restrict your ability to move often happen when your body is trying to protect a spinal joint that isn’t moving correctly.
Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints. If those joints become “stuck,” your body will try to compensate, but, over time, that compensation can cause a cascade of additional challenges.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Sudden injuries, arthritis, and postural issues can all contribute to neck pain.
- The small sliding joints of the neck can become “stuck,” leading to muscles spasms and pain.
- Gentle chiropractic treatments combined with daily stretching can help restore proper motion in the joints of the neck and reduce pain.
Next Steps:
Pain in your neck is your body’s way of saying “pain attention”!
Even if your neck pain often eases up by the end of the day, it’s a smart idea to have our team evaluate how it’s moving.
Movement assessments provide us with an incredible amount of information about your body.
By taking a proactive approach to your health today, you may be able to prevent future episodes of neck pain and stiffness.
It all starts with a call. Our doors are open, and we’re here to help!
Science Source(s):
Intervertebral Kinematics of the Cervical Spine. The Spine Journal. 2018.
