To understand where neck pain comes from, it helps to look at how the neck is built.
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and give the torso both stability and flexibility. The top seven vertebrae form the cervical spine, or neck region. Around these vertebrae lie muscles, connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, while the cartilage discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers for the spine.
Neck pain is often caused by
The most common causes of neck pain are overloading or injury, for example from a car accident, a poor sleeping position, an unnatural posture or carrying a bag that is too heavy. If the pain lasts longer than a few days, or comes with numbness or tingling in the arms, do have it treated.
An accident is a common trigger for neck problems, so it is worth reading more about whiplash and a pinched nerve. Not sure whether chiropractic is right for you? See what to expect at your first visit or explore all of our treatments.
