Neck Pain Treated by Physiotherapists at Central chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, View our 3d animated models 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
Cervicogenic headaches are defined as headaches originating from the neck. The location is typically at the back of the head, sides and top of the head as well as around the forehead and eyes affecting one or more of the above regions at once. These headaches can be located on one or both sides of the head. Cervicogenic headaches are usually associated with dysfunction of the upper neck which can present itself as neck pain or local tenderness, reduced neck range of motion and exacerbation of the headaches by neck movement. The past history of neck trauma is typical for this type of headaches.
The cervicogenic headaches are caused by irritation of nerve endings of injured joints, ligaments, muscles and discs of the neck. The nerve endings in the injured areas send pain signals up the upper nerves of the neck to the brain causing “cross wiring” with the fibres of the trigeminal nerve (one of the nerves in the head) which is responsible for perception of the head pain thus causing the headaches.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cervicogenic headache are often diagnosed as tension headache, however, some patients who present with symptoms of migraine respond well to treatment of cervicogenic headaches.
Neck injury can be suspected if the pain or stiffness in the neck lasts for more than 24 hours. Frequent reoccurrence of neck pain or ache or a history of neck injury or fall would also be indicative of chronic neck problem.
Any of the symptoms such as headaches, facial pains, ear pain, shoulder, arm or hand pains as well as dizziness can be caused by the irritation of the nerves in the neck. Neck pain intensifying during the course of the day can be caused by fatigue or weakness of the neck muscles.
Evaluation of the neck symptoms would establish the cause of the neck pain. Orthopaedic and neurological tests would be conducted in order to establish the integrity of the nerves of the neck. X-ray examination would help to assess overall state of the bone structures of the neck.
General information in the structures of the neck:
In the back of the neck are the upper seven vertebrae of the spinal column, and there are many powerful muscles that support and move the head. In front, the neck region contains the wind pipe (trachea) and the gullet (oesophagus). The large arteries (carotid, temporal, maxillary) and veins (jugular) that supply the brain and head are also located in the neck. The larynx (voice box) occupies a position where the trachea connects with the pharynx and one of its cartilages produces the projection known as Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland lies just below the larynx and in front of the upper part of the trachea.
Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) commonly known as Whiplash (WAD)
The symptoms of Whiplash (WAD) can occur immediately or up to 4 - 6 weeks after the accident.
The following symptoms of Whiplash (WAD) injuries are usually present:
- · Pain in the shoulder or the shoulder blades
- · Sleep disturbances, fatigue, and irritability
- · Neck pain and stiffness
- · Headaches
- · Pain or numbness in the arm and/or into the hand
- · Ringing in the ears or blurred vision
- · Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Chiropractor will be able to evaluate the extent of your injuries. Almost all whiplash injuries are similar to those of neck strains and include soft tissues injuries to the muscles and ligaments. However, Whiplash (WAD) injuries may also include damage to the discs in the neck. A Chiropractor will often request a variety of diagnostic tests to confirm the area of the injury. Sometimes Cat Scans or MRI scans are used to determine the full extent of the injuries.
