The cervical spine; the neck, contains seven small vertebrae. This structure is amazing. It carries the head, which, on average, weighs 12 pounds, and it can move your head in almost every direction. This combination of weight and mobility makes the neck susceptible to injury; an injury that requires chiropractic care.
There are several reasons for a neck injury in Lincoln Park; they include accidents, falls, extended sitting behind your desk, and just plain old “wear and tear.”
Causes of Neck Pain
The most common causes of neck pain are accidental injuries and accidents. A sudden forward movement of the head and then a sudden rebound in the opposite direction is referred to as “whiplash.” This often happens in automobile accidents where a car is impacted from the rear, throwing the occupants forward and then rapidly rebounding. This sudden movement results in neck tissue damage. Muscles then tighten, they in turn fatigue; the result is pain and stiffness in the neck.
Whiplash is not the only cause of neck pain and stiffness. Poor posture, overweight and underdeveloped abdominal muscles result in a loss of spinal balance. The neck bends forward to compensate. Stress can also cause muscle tightness as can poor posture.
What Does a Chiropractor Do to Relieve Neck Pain?
Your chiropractor will perform certain exams and will ask you questions as he or she locates the source of your pain. Once the source has been identified, the chiropractor performs a neck adjustment. This adjustment is a very precise procedure and is made by hand. The objective is to improve neck and spine mobility and to restore a full range of motion. After a series of adjustments, patients will notice a marked reduction in pain and stiffness and a marked increase in their ability to turn and tilt their head.
Chiropractic care is an important part of wellness. Book an appointment online with Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Injury Centers in Lincoln Park. Visit http://www.sportsinjurycenters.com. Follow us on twitter.
