Neck Pain

 

Neck pain

A 2021 reviewTrusted Source found that spinal manipulation appeared effective for treating acute neck pain, both alone and in combination with treatments like medication and physiotherapy.

According to a 2019 studyTrusted Source exploring the benefits of chiropractic care for neck pain, this treatment may work because it increases the level of oxytocin, neurotensin, and other natural pain-relieving hormones in your body.

The neck—or cervical spine—is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles. It has the important job of providing support and mobility for the head, but sometimes it can become painful.

There are a number of problems that cause pain in the neck. Irritation along nerve pathways in the neck can cause pain in the shoulder, head, arm, and/or hand. Additionally, irritation of the spinal cord can cause pain into the legs and other areas below the neck.

Neck pain usually goes away within a few days or weeks, but pain that persists for months could signal an underlying medical cause that needs to be addressed. In some cases, early intervention may be necessary for the best results.

Neck Pain Range of Symptoms

Neck pain can range from being minor and easily ignored to excruciating and interfering with daily activities, such as the ability to dress, concentrate, or sleep. Sometimes neck pain can lead to a stiff neck and reduced range of motion.

The duration of neck pain is commonly classified as follows:

• Acute. Pain that lasts less than 4 weeks.
• Subacute. Pain that lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic. Pain that lasts 3 or more months.

Neck pain may be sharp and located in one spot, or it might feel less intense but spread across a broader region. Sometimes the pain gets referred up to the head or accompanies a headache. Other times it can be accompanied by muscle spasms in the neck, upper back, or around the shoulder blade. Less commonly, shock-like pain or tingling may radiate down into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand.