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A little pain and stiffness in the neck is to be expected from time to time. Many people can relate to feeling a "kink" after sleeping in an awkward position. The functionality of the neck is vital to comfort, as this area is responsible for the support of the head, which can weigh as much as twelve pounds. The neck also allows us to move in a number of ways. With only seven vertebrae, the cervical spine, or neck, requires harmony between each.

"/> The cervical spine has a specific curvature that enables it to absorb shock. Due to various factors, including biomechanics, this part of the spine is susceptible to injury. Minor bumps and falls can cause soreness. More often, what we see is chronic pain in the head, neck, and shoulders that results from extended sitting, poor posture, and repetitive movement.

Indirect injury

Excessive stress may be placed on the cervical spine from a number of factors. Issues that may seem irrelevant to spinal health, such as emotional stress or weak abdominal muscles, can be just as significant in neck pain as obesity or poor ergonomics in the workplace. Lack of muscle tone in the abdominal area, in fact, can be a major issue in neck and back pain. Where there is a lack of support from the abdomen, there is a forward bend to the spine. This forward bend puts more stress on the neck to support the head upright.

Direct injury

One of the most common injuries affecting the neck is whiplash. This type of injury, in which the head is moved forcefully in one direction before "rebounding" in the opposite direction, typically occurs in an automobile accident. The term whiplash comes from the whipping motion that occurs in this scenario. Even mild cases of whiplash can be very uncomfortable, causing pain and stiffness that linger for weeks. Severe whiplash may involve trauma to nerve roots, intervertebral joints, and to the discs in between vertebrae.

Chiropractic care for neck injuries

Your Milwaukie, Oregon chiropractor is uniquely qualified to treat neck injuries. At HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab, we do not seek to loosen muscles or mask pain, we seek to pinpoint the source of pain in the spine and reduce nerve irritation through gentle, proven methods. Neck injuries, whether caused by injury or chronic stress, tend to respond very nicely to chiropractic adjustments. Depending on the extent and type of injury, we may also incorporate physiotherapy or massage into care.

A neck injury can lead to a host of health concerns, including chronic headaches and even sinus problems. Receive personal attention that seeks to promote health and wellness when you call the Milwaukie office of HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab.