Neck pain is a debilitating condition that effects 15% of the US population daily. Neck pain is often times caused by traumas such as car accidents, slip and falls or whiplash injuries. Yet, for many individuals neck pain can begin gradually due to a vertebral misalignment. When a vertebral misalignment is present it can cause the discs between the vertebrae to shift, compress on the joints, and nerves and cause pain.
Neck pain can be broken down into two categories, acute neck pain or chronic neck pain. Acute neck pain is pain that comes on quickly, can be severe, and lasts for 1-7 days. Chronic neck pain however is pain that lasts for weeks, months, and even years at a time.
Common causes of acute neck pain are:
- Acute disc herniation’s
- Whiplash
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Torticollis
- Subluxations
Common causes of chronic neck pain are:
- Subluxations
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Fibromyalgia
- Cancer
- Poor posture
The annual cost of chronic pain in the United States, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity and income is $100 billion. It is estimated that 20% of American adults struggle with getting a proper night’s rest due to pain. Due to the lack of rest, pain and daily struggle to function these individuals often times struggle with low energy, weight gain (obesity), chronic conditions (diabetes) and have a higher chance of developing depression.
If you have been struggling with neck pain, I encourage you to make an appointment with your chiropractor today.
