Cervical Pain / Neck Pain

Neck pain / Cervical pain is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives. Neck pain affects about 330 million people globally as of 2010 (4.9% of the population). It is more common in women (5.7%) than men (3.9%)
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and the upper back, or pinching of the nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae.

Major causes of neck pain include:

• Spinal disc herniation – protruding or bulging discs, or if severe prolapse.
• Spondylosis – degenerative arthritis and osteophytes
• Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal
• Stress – physical and emotional stresses
• Prolonged postures – many people fall asleep on sofas and chairs and wake up with sore necks.
• Minor injuries and falls – car accidents, sporting events and day to day injuries that are really minor.
• Referred pain – mostly from upper back problems
• Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes
• Whiplash
• Herniated disc
• Pinched nerve

Treatment of neck pain depends on the cause. For the vast majority of people, neck pain can be treated conservatively. Recommendations which help alleviate symptoms include applying heat or cold. Other common treatments could include medication, body mechanics training, ergonomic management, and physical therapy. Exercise plus joint mobilization and/or joint manipulation (spinal adjustment) done at Capri Spine clinic using CDSSAT has been found to be beneficial in both acute and chronic mechanical neck disorders. Both cervical manipulation and cervical mobilization produce similar immediate-, and short-term changes; no long-term data are available. Thoracic manipulation may also improve pain and function