Neck pain can be treated and managed. Whether it’s caused by poor posture, muscle tension or spinal problems, our chiropractic care can help. We focus on easing pain, improving movement and supporting long-term neck health. Book a consultation with a chiropractor today.
Neck pain can stem from a variety of causes. The exact source of neck pain may include prolonged sitting, stress, poor ergonomics, and spinal misalignments. At Hagley Road Chiropractic, we recognise the unique nature of neck pain and tailor our approach to address your specific concerns. Helping to provide significant relief, restoring optimal function and increasing range of motion.
The neck, or cervical spine, is a complex system of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles directed by the brain and spinal cord. It’s designed for strength, stability, and nerve communication. Acute neck pain often results from muscle strain or soft tissue sprain (ligaments, tendons). If neck pain lasts for prolonged periods (subacute or chronic), medical treatment or guidance is likely needed for relief, depending on the cause.
Causes:
Acute
Chronic
Symptoms
Neck pain may manifest as:
Cervical Strains and Sprains
Cervical strains and sprains are common neck injuries that can cause pain, stiffness, muscle spasms or weakness. A cervical sprain affects the ligaments in the neck, while a strain affects the muscles. Both happen when soft tissues are stretched or torn.
Causes
Whiplash is a common cause, often seen in motor vehicle accidents. A sudden forward-and-backward movement can stretch ligaments or muscles beyond their normal range. These injuries can also result from falls, contact sports, lifting incorrectly or poor posture during activities such as desk work, computer use or driving.
Signs and Symptoms
Pain is the main symptom. It may start right after an injury, appear a few hours later or develop over time due to overuse or poor posture in the neck and upper back. Pain often worsens during activity and eases with rest. Other signs include swelling, stiffness, inflammation and reduced range of motion.
Thoracic outlet syndrome refers to a group of disorders where blood vessels or nerves between your collarbone and first rib (thoracic outlet) get compressed. This can result in pain in your shoulders and neck, along with numbness in your fingers.
Causes
1. Anatomical defects: Inherited issues like an extra rib (cervical rib) or a tight fibrous band connecting your spine to your rib.
2. Poor posture: Drooping shoulders or holding your head forward can compress the thoracic outlet.
3. Trauma: Events like car accidents can lead to internal changes that later compress nerves in the thoracic outlet.
4. Repetitive activity: Continuous, repetitive movements in jobs like typing or lifting things above your head can cause thoracic outlet syndrome. Athletes with repetitive motions, like pitchers and swimmers, are also at risk.
5. Pressure on joints: Obesity or carrying heavy bags can stress joints.
6. Pregnancy: Increased joint mobility during pregnancy can bring on thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms.
Symptoms
– Muscle wasting in the fleshy base of your thumb (Gilliatt-Sumner hand)
– Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers
– Pain or aches in your neck, shoulder, or hand
– Weakening grip
Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a muscle imbalance pattern found in the head and shoulder regions, commonly seen in people with desk jobs or prolonged sitting leading to poor posture.
Causes
In UCS, tightness in the upper trapezius and levator scapula combines with tightness in the pectoralis major and minor. Weakness in the deep cervical flexors pairs with weakness in the middle and lower trapezius, creating joint dysfunction. In simpler terms, when 4-5 muscle groups become too tight, a chain reaction can occur, causing shoulder instability, dysfunction, and eventually pain and injury. The main culprits are the trapezius, levator scapula, pectoralis major and minor, and the sternocleidomastoid (neck muscles).
Signs & Symptoms
1. Forward head posture: Like a person unable to see ahead because their head juts forward.
2. Increased cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis: Describing a hunchback posture.
3. Elevated and protracted shoulders: Happens when tight pecs and weak sub-scapular muscles make shoulders round forward.
4. Rotation or abduction and winging of the scapula: Scapula bone moves away from the body, giving it a ‘wing’ effect when viewed from the side or rear. If fingers can slide under the shoulder blade, it’s called scapular winging.
Our skilled chiropractors take a targeted and personalised approach to relieve neck pain. This ensures chiropractic adjustments are safe, and through comprehensive assessments and customised treatment plans, we aim not only to alleviate your immediate discomfort but also to enhance the overall health and flexibility of your neck.
In addition to treating neck pain, we empower our patients with practical strategies to prevent future issues. Learn about proper neck posture, home exercises for neck strength, and lifestyle adjustments for optimal neck health.
The best way to get in touch is to call 0121 421 4466.
Alternatively you can request a call back, a free discovery call or ask some general questions by filling in the form below.