Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives. Neck pain and headaches are one of the most common complaints.
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise due to muscular tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of the nerves emanating from the cervical vertebrae. Joint disruption in the neck creates pain, as does joint disruption in the upper back.
Neck pain and headaches may be caused from a combination of causes:
- Injury / trauma
- Muscle overuse / tightness
- Carotid artery dissection
- Spinal disc herniation – protruding or bulging discs, or if severe prolapse.
- Spondylosis – degenerative arthritis and osteophytes
- Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal
- Stress – physical and emotional stresses
- Prolonged postures – many people fall asleep on sofas and chairs and wake up with sore necks.
- Minor injuries and falls – car accidents, sporting events and day to day injuries that are really minor.
- Referred pain – mostly from upper back problems
Over-use – muscular strain is one of the most common causes - Whiplash
- Herniated disc
- Pinched nerve
Treatment of neck pain depends on the cause. For the vast majority of people, neck pain can be treated conservatively. Other common treatments could include medication, body mechanics training, ergonomic reform, and physical therapy.
We are experts in neck pain and headaches. Research has shown vast improvements in neck pain and headaches from chiropractic and acupuncture care. Let Fontana Chiropractic and Acupuncture help diagnosis and treat your neck pain and headaches.
Acupuncture has been clinically shown to decrease neck pain in this Meta-Analysis
Title: Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Abstract: Effect of Acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on neck pain. 14 studies were included in this review.
Results: Seven out of nine meta-analyses yielded that acupuncture was significantly more effective than sham acupuncture for pain relief.
Citation: Li-Min F, Ju-Tzu L, Wen-Shuo W. Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine [serial online]. February 2009;15(2):133-145. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed July 25, 2014.
Acupuncture has been clinically shown to decrease frequency and severity of headaches in this randomized controlled trial.
Title: Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Design: Randomized control trial. 74 patients divided into medical management for daily headache and medical management with acupuncture for daily headache.
Measurements: Outcome was determined by daily pain severity during the 6 week period, Headache Impact Test, and the Short form 36 health survey
Results: Patients receiving acupuncture had significant results on the Headache Impact Test. Acupuncture was associated with improving physical problems, social functioning, and general mental health. Acupuncture patients were 3.7 times more likely to report less suffering from headaches at 6 weeks. specialty medical management alone was not associated with improved clinical outcomes among our study population. Supplementing medical management with acupuncture, however, resulted in improvements in health-related QoL and the perception by patients that they suffered less from headaches.
Citation: Coeytaux R, Kaufman J, Mann J, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Chronic Daily Headache. Headache: The Journal Of Head & Face Pain [serial online]. October 2005;45(9):1113-1123. Available from: SPORTDiscus with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed July 25, 2014.
Fontana Chiropractic & Acupuncture 