Neck Pain

One of the increasing causes of neck pain is prolonged computer use. Today’s society is highly focused around technology, which has seen a high increase in desk bound work. We spend most of our time looking down, whether that is using our phones, playing a computer game, watching television or studying. How many hours a day do you spend looking up?

It may surprise you to know our head weighs on average 4-6kgs. With prolonged neck flexion i.e. looking down, gravity begins to take effect and slowly positions our head further forward than it should naturally be. Research has found for every inch we have our head forward, an added 10lbs is placed on the spine. This places pressure on the joint, muscles and ligaments; therefore it is no surprise that neck pain is the second most common condition that chiropractors treat after low back pain. Frequently the two areas go hand in hand, as poor posture in the upper quarter can affect the lower quarter and vice versa.

Choosing the correct pillow is of particular importance for those with neck pain. Orthopaedic pillows are shaped and contoured to support the head in its correct position and can aid the curve of the spine to restore to its natural position.

Commonly neck pain can also cause shoulder and arm pain. If nerves become impinge, or ‘trapped’ in the neck, shooting pain may spread all the way down to the fingertips. This may be due to a disc bulge or from wear and tear of the joints. A chiropractor can discover the reason why and treat accordingly.