***My Quick Thoughts for This Month***
My Thoughts: A lot of people call the office because they have headaches and neck pain. So what causes neck pain? Good question. Pain located in the neck is a common chiropractic condition. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders and diseases and can involve any of the tissues in the neck. Examples of common conditions causing neck pain are degenerative disc disease, neck strain, neck injury such as in whiplash, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve. Neck pain can come from common infections, such as virus infection of the throat, leading to lymph node (gland) swelling and then neck pain. Neck pain can also come from rare infections, such as tuberculosis of the neck, infection of the spine bones in the neck (osteomyelitis and septic discitis), and meningitis (often accompanied by neck stiffness). Neck pain can also come from conditions directly affecting the muscles of the neck, such as fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica. Neck pain is also referred to as cervical pain. Risk factors for neck pain include injury from involvement in contact sports, motor-vehicle accidents, bull or bronco horse riding, falling, or any type of whiplash etc. Prevention of neck pain in the context of these activities should include neck strengthening exercises and often neck bracing along with regular chiropractic adjustments as well as regular check ups.