The neck or “cervical spine” has 7 vertebrae that allow the head and neck to move freely in all directions with a considerable amount ease. If one or all of these vertebrae become misaligned or stressed in some way, then symptoms are not far away. Most of the time, just like the rest of the body, we take the head and neck for granted.

When there is an injury or too much biomechanical stress is put on any one or number of these vertebrae, then if not immediate, in time symptoms will occur. The main symptom patients present with is pain – “it hurts!” Other symptoms may include muscle tension and tightness, aching muscles, tiring muscles after certain activities or towards the end of the day, sharp pain, pins and needles, numbness, weakness. Any of these symptoms can occur not just at any part of the spine, but can also radiate out into the arms or into the head too causing headaches  

Many people think because the neck is smaller than the low back or lumbar spine, that it doesn’t undergo much physical stress on a daily basis. This simply isn’t true; in actual fact the neck undergoes considerable stress on a daily basis. The head itself does weigh a lot more than we realize. Imagine the weight of a bowling ball, it is then easier to appreciate the forces required to just keep the head held high in the upright position. The head doesn’t just balance on its own; there are many ligaments and muscles to prevent it from dropping forwards etc.

We must not forget that although textbooks describe the neck as a distinct region in itself, it still has physical attachments to the ribs, thoracic spine, shoulder blade etc.

Neck pain can be caused by a problem with any of the areas it is physically attached to. Just like leg pain is often caused by a problem with the lower back, buttock or hip. 

Caution – It can be potentially dangerous to drive when suffering with shoulder, neck or even low back pain. Try to find a clinic that has a good reputation (ideally by recommendation) and a clinic that is as close to you as possible. Also, you may find it easier if you find a clinic where you don’t have to climb stairs or cross busy main roads. If you are in severe pain, then disabled access can make your visit run much more smoothly too.

What Do I do Now

The first thing to do is follow these simple steps:

1)    Rest – try to reduce any activities that you think might aggravate the condition.

This may include reducing time at your computer, decreasing or stopping sporting activities or hobbies and try to limit the distance you drive on a daily basis (particularly after treatment). Most people don’t realise how much the shoulder and surrounding musculature have to work whilst driving.

2)    Ice – If the area is painful, warm/hot or tender to touch, then the use of regular ice packs can help reduce the pain and inflammation. Please refer to our other section on the correct use of ice packs. 

3)    Compression – When using the ice pack, try to compress the ice pack onto the affected area so there is good contact and the surface area of the ice pack covers the affected area. 

4)    Elevation – Elevating the affected area also helps slow down the build up of excess fluid in the affected area. 

5)    Chiropractic Appointment – Whether you are an existing patient or even if it is your first time, make an appointment to see the chiropractor/physiotherapist. The therapist can will take a good history, examine you and advise the most appropriate course of action. If it is safe to proceed with treatment, then the therapist will start to address your problem(s). 

If treatment is necessary, the chiropractor will begin treatment. Treatment may include manipulation, mobilization, acupuncture or even Laser Therapy (please refer to our section on Low Level Laser Therapy.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects the wrists an injury that can prevent people from working and making the wrists and hands very painful. This is a wrist condition that can result in chronic wrist and hand pain.

Carpal: Across the back of the wrist, eight small irregular bones (called carpals) are aligned in 2 rows forming a letter “C.” There is a tough ligament attaching across the inner side of the wrist and thus forming the Carpal Tunnel.

Tunnel: An opening through which something passes through. Nine tendons of the muscles of the forearm that move the fingers along with the soft median nerve pass through this narrow tunnel. This tunnel is about the size of your little finger.

In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve becomes either compressed, irradiated or swollen resulting in pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve becomes irritated and swells. During the swelling the pressure in the canal increases leading to further irritation and compression of the nerve. This leads to more swelling and nerve irritation.

What are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms?

Typical symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include parenthesis (abnormal sensations) such as tingling and numbness in the thumb and index and middle fingers on the palm side, night pain, and weakness in grasping, thumb and index finger pinching, and other thumb movements’ clumsiness such as awkward hand movements and dropping things with increased weakness.

What treatment is available for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Before commencing the treatment patient should be evaluated for the cause of the nerve swelling. Some systemic conditions such as under active thyroid can lead to the swelling of the tendons, thus putting pressure onto the median nerve.

Patients should also be evaluated for possible compression of the nerves at the neck, shoulder and elbow levels that can also present itself as a pain and weakness in the wrist. In majority of cases of wrist and hand pain and weakness the primarily cause is compression of the nerve root at the neck level that forms nerves of the arm and hand. That’s why some patients still experience symptoms of carpal tunnel even after the surgery or cortisone injections were performed.

Cold laser therapy applied over the carpal tunnel has proven to be very effective in reduction of swelling and pain management. Please contact us if you require further information. 

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Neck pain and whiplash are usually associated with the trauma suffered in an impact accident, such as a car crash. However a neck ache can occur for numerous reasons, in much the same way as there is often a variety of causes of back pain for example. As with many structures in the body, the neck is made up of muscles, ligaments, bones, nerves and joints, so is as susceptible to aches and injuries as any other. As the neck is responsible for carrying the weight of the head it needs to be protected, and any ailments treated immediately.

Experienced and knowledgeable chiropractors like us here at the Central Chiropractic Clinic are well placed to diagnose the cause of pain. We will talk you through your symptoms, and enquire as to any other illnesses or injuries that you are experiencing. We can even perform physical examinations, which test the motion of the neck and related muscles in the arms and legs, as well as X-rays.

When it comes to treating chronic neck pain Coventry, chiropractic care is often the most successful method, in addition to rest and an appropriate exercise programme. The application of physical manipulations of the neck can ease the pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, especially where pain is caused by a herniated disc. So don’t delay, if you are struggling with a pain in the neck contact a qualified and professional team like us at the Central Chiropractic Clinic today.

The Central Chiropractic Clinic are fully qualified to offer treatment for a wide variety of different conditions, from neck and upper back pain to sciatica, shoulder and knee pain. Whatever the condition they will comprehensively examine their patients and ask questions relating to the history of the case. Further diagnosis may involve the use of X-rays and scans.

The clinic and its treatments are all recognised by the General Chiropractic Council and the British Chiropractic Association and their chiropractors are all professionally trained with a full five year qualification. This specialist understands that treatment to the neck area can be relatively worrying for some patients, but their certification promises the utmost care and quality of service.

In addition to chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy and cold laser therapy, these specialists in neck pain Coventry often recommend additional practices that the patient can apply to their everyday life. These may include gentle exercise, rest or medication.

To book an appointment with this specialist in neck pain Coventry, Central Chiropractic Clinic, contact a member of their reception team who will be happy to arrange a time that suits you. In some cases they are able to arrange emergency appointments, simply call the local telephone number that can be found on their website.

Simple neck pain exercises may consist of flexion, extension, rotation and even shoulder shrugs and bracing. All of these, depending on the type of neck pain you are experiencing, can help to ease tension and release pain for a short while. It’s important to emphasise that these exercises are not designed to cure neck pain and that appointments with your chiropractor still need to occur to ensure that effective treatments resume.

Before undertaking any exercises, you must always consult this with your chiropractor who will advise you on the most suitable exercises for your condition based upon your circumstances and severity of your neck pain.

If approved, undertaking these exercises on a daily basis can prevent stiffness which then puts added strain on neck movements during the day or whilst sleeping. This can make controlling pain easier by regaining motion within muscles, this is by no means compensation for seeing your chiropractor.

So if you reside within the West Midlands, make an appointment with The Central Chiropractic Clinic, specialists of neck pain Coventry and surrounding areas. They provide professional advice, consultations and treatment programmes for individual clients, based upon their symptoms and experiences. With this in mind, ensure you seek help from qualified chiropractors if you are suffering from neck or back pain.