Neck pain refers to any pain, stiffness or soreness in the neck area. Neck pain may also radiate down from the neck into the shoulders, arms and fingers or radiate up into the head. The neck, also known as the cervical spine, is a collection of nerves, bones, joints and muscles coordinated by the brain and the spinal cord. The neck supports the weight of the head and allows it to move.

Neck pain relief is the second most common reason patients seek chiropractic care and is a leading cause of disability. 10-15% of the population has Neck Pain at any given time which can significantly impact their work and ability to engage in an active, healthy life. While many instances of Neck Pain will go away within a few days or weeks, pain that persists is usually a sign that there is some underlying cause that needs to be addressed. At North Shore Family Chiropractors Chatswood, we recommend coming in for assessment and treatment of your Neck Pain as early as possible.

Symptoms of Neck pain include:

• Soreness or tenderness in the general area
• Sharp or stabbing pain in one spot
• Stiffness in the neck that it difficult to turn the head
• Radiating pain down the back, shoulder and arm or up to the head
• Pain can be short-lived, or constant
• It can be mild or severe enough to interrupt sleep and other normal routines.

• Headaches
• Tingling/weakness that radiates to shoulders, arms and fingers
• Problems gripping/lifting objects
• Problems with balance and coordination

Neck Pain can develop slowly over time, immediately following an injury or as a delayed reaction to an injury or it can start suddenly without any prior symptoms. Your Neck Pain symptoms will vary depending on what part of the cervical spine is involved. At North Shore Family Chiropractors Chatswood, we look at the underlying causes of your Neck Pain, so we can tailor a treatment plan that is unique to you.

• Poor posture. This is a leading causes of neck pain and can happen when a person’s head is tilted forward for long periods of time causing the neck’s muscles, tendons and ligaments to work harder. Working at a computer, reading, gardening and texting on your phone can all create poor posture and lead to Neck Pain.

(You can read more about the alarming impact that computers and smart phone usage is having on our children and their posture here).

• Sleeping in the wrong position or using a poorly fitted pillow. Waking up with a sore neck is often due to having slept in an awkward position that has overextended the neck or created fatigue in the spinal muscles and joints.
• Neck Trauma. Usually due to motor vehicle collisions. The most common experience is whiplash trauma leading to acute neck pain and muscle spasm.
• Sports injury. Moving the neck suddenly or in an unusual way in a new sports activity or colliding with another player can create a Neck Pain problem. When nerves in the neck and shoulder are impacted, you may experience the radiating Neck Pain that travels down to the shoulders, arms and fingers.
• Repetitive movements or holding the head in an unusual position. Moving the head in some repetitive activity can lead to strain on the muscles of the neck as can holding your head in an unusual position. For example having a long conversation while cradling your phone on your shoulder or looking up at a stage can create strain in your neck.

Cervical herniated disc, degenerative disc disease or cervical osteoarthritis. Disc or joint problems can occur through normal wear and tear and arthritis creating Neck Pain. Discs that are bulging or herniated may also be pressing against the nerve in the neck and causing Neck Pain.

At North Shore Family Chiropractors Chatswood, we diagnose Neck Pain by taking a comprehensive medical history. We will ask you to describe your Neck Pain in detail, and will discuss factors like your occupation, lifestyle, posture, sleep habits and any injuries to better understand your Neck Pain.

We will also conduct a physical examination which includes looking at your posture, range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. In some cases diagnostic imaging such as CT scans, X-ray and MRI scans may be necessary for the diagnosis, treatment and relief of your Neck Pain.

Treatment for your Neck Pain will depend on the results of a thorough examination by your Chiropractic Doctor. At North Shore Family Chiropractors Chatswood, we offer relief from Neck Pain through:

• chiropractic adjustments
• chiropractic mobilisation
• cervical manual traction using our unique equipment
• posture correction
• a specialised exercise program
• lifestyle changes such as exercise and behavioural changes.

Research has shown that gentle chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce pain and increase movement in those suffering from Neck Pain. Your Chiropractor is also trained to recognize the signs of rare problems that may require immediate medical attention. At North Shore Family Chiropractors Chatswood we use the most researched chiropractic technique in the world, Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) which we integrate with traditional Chiropractic treatment. This is a scientific approach to spinal realignment and pain relief.

Chiropractic research conducted by Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) has found that people of all ages and genders who have chronic or repetitive Neck Pain tend to have a cervical spine curve that is less than 20 degrees. 

Chiropractic Biophysics aims to restore the normal curvature of the neck and spine. By restoring the natural curve to the neck and spine, the body functions properly again and there is a reduction in Neck Pain and associated symptoms.

Please contact our Clinic Manager for more information on our chiropractic treatment programs or to make an appointment.