The neck is made up of 7 vertebrae and many muscle and ligament structures all of which may be underlying causes of neck pain. The neck functions as a structural support for the weight of the head, protecting the spinal cord & nerves, and allowing for a wide range of motion for the head.

The neck is highly susceptible to injury because of the amount of range of motion available in this area of the spine. The neck is also functionally dependent on the shoulder and thoracic spine (mid back). Poor function or injuries in the shoulder and thoracic spine may lead to various conditions of the neck.

Different conditions leading to neck pain that we see in our office:

  • Acute cervical torticollis
  • Cervical disc lesion
  • Whiplash
  • Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Cervical sprain/strain
  • Cervicogenic headache
  • TMJ
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Upper crossed syndrome

Neck pain can have a dramatic effect on one’s physical, social, and psychological well-being. Neck pain will range from mild to severe and can lead to significant disability. Fortunately most causes of neck pain are benign and treatable with conservative management. MVMT specializes in treating the most causes of neck pain.

Technology and its effects on neck pain

Occupational stresses and work station ergonomics has led to an increase in neck pain. Individuals who spend most of their days on the computer, sitting at work, or doing sedentary activities are at an increased risk of developing neck pain. Risk is heightened for those who spend a lot of time in poor postures and with the head forward flexed (commonly seen in people with high phone usage).

Text Neck

The advancement in technology has allowed us to accomplish virtually any task necessary with our phones. This has led to a postural crisis for people who have become extremely reliant on their phones. Forward progression of head positioning, which occurs with phone use, places high demands on the soft tissues and muscles needed to maintain proper posture.

For every inch the head migrates forward the perceived weight of the head increases by 10 lbs. The postural muscles responsible for holding the head upright will begin to fatigue and become overloaded. This often leads to a chronic neck pain scenario.

MOST COMMON Neck pain conditions we see in our office

  • Acute cervical torticollis
  • Cervical disc injury
  • Upper crossed syndrome
  • Whiplash

Acute cervical torticollis

Acute torticollis is a common benign condition, affecting younger and middle aged patients. Onset is typically sudden, often presenting upon arising. Symptoms are generally self-resolving in days to weeks but can be extremely debilitating until they resolve.

The condition is thought to be precipitated by a minor traumatic insult like sleeping in an awkward position, or sleeping under a draft from an open window or fan, or being exposed to cold temperatures. Patients will sometimes report a history of unusual or strenuous activity the day or few days before, i.e. new exercises, travel, prolonged head rotation during a movie, etc. Stress may also play a role in this condition.

At MVMT Chiropractic, we are experts in treating this condition and speeding up the time it takes for this condition to resolve.

Cervical Disc injury

Disc are flexible cushion-like structures that live between the spinal bones or vertebrae of the spine. Disc are made up of two basic components, an inner nucleus which is jelly like and an outer part of the disc called the annulous. The annulous is a series of rings that form to protect and contain the jelly nucleus. When the annulous begins to wear down it will allow the nucleus to protrude out. This is commonly referred to as a disc bulge or herniation. The annulous will wear down as a result of acute trauma or repetitive stress over time. Disc bulges and herniations are present without symptoms in more than half of the population. However when they are symptomatic they can be debilitating.

Common symptoms:

  • Local symptoms, neck pain
  • Pain that radiates into the shoulder blade or down the arm
  • Loss of motion in the neck
  • Headaches
  • Pain may be a dull ache, sharp or even burning
  • Oftentimes symptoms may be worse with either looking up or looking down

Upper Cross Syndrome

“Upper Crossed Syndrome” describes poor posture that results from excessive tightness in your shoulders and chest with weakness in your neck and mid-back. This combination forces your shoulders to roll inward and your head to project forward. This posture will begin to create chronic strain in different muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulders.

The chronic strain is uncomfortable and may also lead to neck pain, upper back pain, headaches, TMJ pain, and ultimately arthritis. This postural problem is exceptionally common in computer workstation users. Correction of this problem is accomplished by stretching the tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles, and modifying your workstation.

MVMT’s Common treatment for Neck pain

  • Spinal Decompression
  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Dry Needling
  • Soft tissue manipulation
  • Massage
  • Corrective exercises
  • Work Station ergonomics