Neck Shoulder Pain Warwickshire. We carry out quality neck shoulder pain treatments for all types of neck shoulder pain in Warwickshire. We treat patients with neck shoulder pain within the Warwickshire area, who have various neck shoulder pain conditions such as: neck sprain, neck strain, tendonitis, wry neck, torticollis, Cervical disc treatment and neck pain relief for cervical spine injuries including bulging discs, herniated discs, slipped discs and other types of back and neck pain spinal conditions. Cervical spine injuries, whiplash injuries (Whiplash Associated Disorder), osteoarthritis, (Wear & Tear), nerve pain. We also offer treatment for neck pain and related conditions such as neck and shoulder pain, scapula pain, arm pain, hand pain, wrist pain and headaches, as well as pins and needles, tingling, numbness, deadness, heaviness and weakness of the neck, shoulder and arm.
View our 3D animated videos for (1) Neck Pain and Whiplash, (2) Bulging disc, Cervical disc injury (3) TMJ Temporomandibular Jaw Disorders (they can be found under the listing” Types of Pain” in our Neck Pain Section).
For the management of Neck Pain, here at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic we use the latest Low Level Lasers which provide Pain Relief, this also accelerates recovery, healing and significantly reduces the inflammatory process. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under “Pain Relief”, please also view our “Low level Laser Testimonial Video”
Neck Pain and Whiplash Therapy
The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and end in the upper torso. The vertebrae along with the ligaments provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and movement of the neck. The neck supports the weight of the head which is 12lbs amounting to a significant load for the neck to cope with during motion thus increasing stress onto the neck (cervical spine). Compare to the rest of the spine, the neck is less protected and is more susceptible to injury and various disorders that can result in pain and restricted motion. Sometimes neck pain is a temporary condition going away on its own accord. Other cases require medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve the symptoms.
Cause
Neck pain may result from injury to the soft tissues including muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints of the spine. Soft tissue injuries or prolonged wear and tear are amongst the most common causes of neck pain. Infection or tumors may cause neck pain in rare instances. Sometimes neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms.
Inflammatory Diseases
Rheumatoid arthritis involves joints in the neck and may cause severe stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in the upper neck area.
Cervical Disc Degeneration
Cervical disc degeneration usually occurs in people aged 40 and older. Discs act as shock absorbers between the bones. During cervical disc degeneration the normal gelatine like centre of the disc dries out and the gap between the vertebrae narrows. As the disc space narrows, added stress is imposed onto the joints of the spine exacerbating further wear and degenerative changes. When occurs when cervical disc protrudes due to the weakening of its rim, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Injuries
Due to its flexibility and the weight of the head it supports the neck is extremely vulnerable to injury. Road traffic or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls are the main causes of neck injury. A “rear end” shunt during car accident may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyperflexion, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. The use of seat belts and head restrains in cars can help to prevent or minimize neck injury. The soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments are most commonly involved. Severe injuries including fracture or dislocation of the neck may lead to the damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis
Whiplash – Associated Disorders (WAD). Commonly known as Whiplash (WAD).
Stage 1
During stage 1 a person travelling in a car is suddenly jolted forward, then the seat begins to be pushed out from under the car occupant; this causes the middle of the back to be pushed against the back of the car seat. This results in an upward thrust in the cervical spine, compressing the discs and joints in the neck, as the back of the seat starts to thrusts the body forward, while the head is thrust backwards. These movements cause severe jolt to the neck. Properly adjusted head restraints will limit the distance the head travels backwards. The damage to the spine will take place before the head reaches the head rest.
Stage 2
The body has reached an acceleration of one to two times that of the car, however the head has not started to accelerate forward and continues to move backward. This produces abnormal S-curve in the cervical spine as the seat back recoils forward, the seat acts like a spring thrusting the body forward. This forward seat back spring action happens while the head is still moving backwards. The result is a severe jolt to the neck resulting in the most damaging aspects of a Whiplash (WAD) injury.
Stage 3
The body is now falling back down into the seat while the head and neck are in forward acceleration as the car is slowing down. By decreasing the pressure on your brakes while in the first stages of the collision, the brakes will be reapplied during this stage. This reapplication of the brake causes the car to slow down much quicker and makes it much more probable the increase in severity of the flexing injury to the neck. As the forward movement takes place, the seat belt tightens and takes up the sack, as you move forward in your seat, any slack in your seat belt and shoulder harness is taken up.
Stage 4
The most damage is caused during the phase 4 of the Whiplash (WAD) phenomenon.
The seat belt stops the bodies inside the car from moving while the heads are moving freely forward thus creating violent forward motion and causing strain to the muscles and ligaments of the neck. This also causes tears to fibres in the spinal discs and jolts vertebrae out of their usual position. The spinal cord and nerves may get overstretched and irritated. The brain may hit the inside of the skull causing brain injury. By not wearing a seat belt and hitting the inside of the car, windscreen or steering wheel there is a greater chance of suffering concussion or more severe brain injury.
Typical Symptoms Include;
- Pain and stiffness of the neck, extending up to the head and down to the shoulders
- Headache
- Numbness or tingling in the arms going down into the hands
- Low back pain
- Dizziness
- Mental problems, such as poor concentration, memory or mental performance
- Tiredness
- Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
