What Causes Neck Pain and How to Avoid It
August 20, 2010
It’s no wonder that millions of Americans are plagued by neck pain every day. Our busy lives and hectic work schedules can all contribute to the occasional bout of neck pain. However, for many people, neck pain isn’t just a rare occurrence – it’s a cumbersome daily experience. If this sounds all-too-familiar, then it’s time to take action. From injury to stress and everything in between, identifying the causes of neck pain is the first proactive step in treating it…
…Not to mention stopping it for good.
Take a look at the list below to identify the cause of your neck pain – and how to avoid it.
- Are you experiencing mild discomfort in your neck? If so, it’s highly likely that your sleeping position is the neck pain culprit. Poor sleeping positions – such as lying on the stomach or side – can force the neck into awkward angles, which puts tremendous amounts of pressure on its sensitive nerves. Additionally, these sleeping positions can force the lumbar spinal cord (the lower back region) into an unnatural alignment, which also contributes to neck discomfort.
- There’s no doubt that chronic neck pain can be a hassle – but worrying about it can make the pain even worse. Worry and stress are two of the biggest neck pain culprits; unfortunately, they’re all too common with our busy lifestyles. Easing this type of neck pain involves reducing the amount of stress in your life, or seeing a chiropractor who can show you gentle exercises to loosen and relax your strained neck muscles.
- Poor work posture can also contribute to chronic neck pain. Because a majority of Americans are sedentary for more than eight hours a day, it’s no surprise that posture can have a significant impact on the neck muscles. To avoid this kind of pain, invest in an office chair that supports the natural curve of your spine, or place a rolled-up towel between your chair and your lumbar spine to support your lower back’s curve.
- Trauma, injury and arthritis are also significant contributors to neck pain. In this case, seeing a doctor and chiropractor to treat the neck pain is highly recommended. One important note: in some instances, neck pain can be a symptom of meningitis, a rare but serious disease which is most common about young adults living in shared communities, like dormitories. If your neck pain is accompanied by a rash, fever, severe headache and vomiting, call 911 immediately and seek treatment.
To avoid this type of neck pain, try switching your sleeping position so that you’re laying on your back. Investing in a memory-foam mattress can also help alleviate nighttime neck pain.
When considering treatment for neck pain, our physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) – Can it be Prevented?
April 21, 2010
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a very common problem affecting many workers and is one of the most costly conditions afflicting today’s workforce. It is most often caused by repetitive activity using rapid movements of the arms and hands and can lead to work loss and disability when not properly managed. CTS occurs when the median nerve that travels through the carpal tunnel (CT) located on the palm side of the wrist becomes pinched by the swelling of the 9 tendons that also travel through the CT and essentially, pinch the nerve up against the transverse carpal ligament. This results in numbness, tingling and/or pain of the index, middle and forth fingers.
Other symptoms include sleep interruptions where shaking and flicking of the fingers is required to allow for a return to sleep. This is frequently caused by sleeping with the wrist in a cocked position, increasing the pressure inside the already swollen carpal tunnel. This is why a cock-up wrist splint usually helps as it disallows the wrist from bending to the extremes and the nerve is not pressured or pinched as much. Other symptoms include weakness of the grip, making it a challenge to unscrew a jar, open a door, and even sometimes turn the key when starting a car. Driving can also be affected as the hands often fall asleep while holding onto a steering wheel.
Pain can also affect the rest of the arm and sometimes the neck area. The median nerve can also be pinched in more than one place and may include the neck, shoulder, elbow as well as the wrist making it necessary to have all the areas treated for a satisfying result.
People at greatest risk are women > men, workers who handle small tools, computer workers, fast repetitive line workers, and people older than 40 years of age. People with other health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Lymes disease, rubella, pregnancy, birth control pill use, diabetes mellitus and menopause are at an increased risk of developing CTS. Certain foods such as caffeine, tobacco, and/or alcohol may also contribute to CTS.
Though treatment is very important -the sooner the better- prevention is most important. In fact, some simple approaches can make a big difference! Some of these include modifying the position of a computer chair, keyboard, monitor, or mouse (work station modifications), alternate between different tasks to reduce the repetition of work, stretch your forearms and fingers before, during and after work, and treat any underlying conditions. When symptoms first occur, these recommendations, as well as wearing a night wrist cock-up splint and seeing your chiropractor, will often reverse the condition without difficulty. If you wait too long and nerve damage occurs, it becomes a more challenging process to manage CTS and at times, even surgery will not be very helpful.
Some of the non-surgical treatment approaches you might expect from your chiropractor include joint manipulation and/or mobilization applied to the neck, wrist, elbow and/or shoulder, the application of physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stim, and/or low level laser therapy (”light” therapy), as well as the use of wrist splints.
The University of Maryland Medical Center cites two research articles on chiropractic treatment for CTS. They report good results are usually obtained and that these good results continued for at least 6 months after treatment ended. The same reference also recommends nutrition and supplements in the management of CTS. Some of these include: eliminate food allergens (often milk, cheese, eggs, ice cream, glutens/wheat-grains, soy, corn, and preservatives) and eating foods high in B-vitamins (dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and sea vegetables), anti-oxidants (fruits – blueberries, cherries, tomatoes; vegetables – squash, bell peppers), avoiding refined foods, using olive oil and adding omega 3 fatty acids to the diet (fish oil). Other vitamins including a multivitamin, B complex, Vit. C, alpha-lipoic acid, MSM, resveratrol, Vit. D, Co-Q10, magnesium can also really help.
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose for your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for CTS, chiropractic care is a logical first choice and we would be honored to offer our services to you.
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr. Chludzinski has been treating neuropathic conditions for the past 5 years. He is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union and Hudson counties, including Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights and South Plainfield.
Five Exercises to Help Your Neck Stay Pain-Free
September 10, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: The neck is the most flexible part of your spine and just like any other area of the body, movement exercises and good posture are important to maintain its health. Neck pains can be brought on or aggravated by how you treat this vital structure. We often neglect our neck when it comes to exercises, focusing instead on our legs or heart. So try these helpful hints and incorporate them into your daily routine.
Moving your neck slowly through all its ranges is key. It is important to do pure movements rather than combinations, rolling the neck around like a ball and socket joint (such as the hip or shoulder) is to be avoided. Instead, flex the neck forward until your chin touches the top of your chest. Then, slowly bend your neck backwards, chin to the sky These movements should not cause pain if they are done slowly and you have no pre-existing injury.
The next movement is side bending and is accomplished by trying to bend either ear towards the shoulder. Do this in front of a mirror so that you keep your head straight looking forward. Note whether you can do this the same amount to each side.
The last movement is rotation. Simply rotate your chin slowly so that you are looking over one shoulder. None of these movements should cause pain or make you dizzy. If they do, then it’s a sign you have a neck injury.
An important aspect of neck function is how the shoulder girdle influences neck posture and motion. Try rolling your shoulders forwards and backwards, stretching slowly, to help ease tension at the neck. General exercises such as fast paced walking or hiking are important for your neck too. Remember, your spine is the core of your body and walking is one of the least “injury-producers,” something you can keep up well into your later years.
Lastly, make sure your neck posture is kept upright when you are talking on the phone, driving, reading, doing other tasks, or sleeping. A very small pillow is usually best for sleeping and neck support pillows are available to help maintain the normal forward arch of the neck. A small pillow will allow your head to ease back, relaxing the muscles at the back of the neck.
To learn more about Neck Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Eric Chludzinski services both Hudson County as well as Union County, both in New Jersey.
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