Resources for Neck Pain
Neck pain, like lower back pain is quite common in the adult population. Of the three sections of the human spine– the cervical, thoracic and lumbar–the cervical spine is the most complex in design. It is tasked with balancing the weight of the head over the body while enabling nearly 180 degree range of motion. It is the only region of the spine that contains major blood vessels, the left and right vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the lower part of the brain. And, the nerves that service your arms emanate from between your neck vertebrae. Because of these functional requirements, nature designed the cervical spine to be thinner and more nimble; extra flexible, and strong enough to support the head. It does a good job, but its design also subjects it to degeneration and breakdown.
Your neck muscles work in close conjunction with your brain in order to position your head so that the axis of vision is where it is needed. Thanks to the invention of video screens (laptops, tablets, smart phones, television and other video terminals) and the invention of chairs and desks, we position our head in an angle that takes the cervical spine out of its power position, which is directly over the thoracic spine and in its natural, lordotic curvature with chin level, head facing straight ahead, ears directly over shoulder tops, and eyes looking forward. This flattens the lordotic curve, which functions as a weight and shock-absorbing spring, and alters the center of gravity of the head (which weighs 8-10 pounds in adults) so that it is forward of the thoracic spine. The neck muscles tighten to counteract the weight of the head that the cervical lordosis normally absorbs, and the cervical discs get subject to excessive compression in this forward head position. Over time, you develop forward head posture (FHP), the neck discs and joints degenerate and neck muscles lose their proper tone and responsiveness, setting the stage for pain.
Watch the video below where I demonstrate how Forward Head Posture predisposes the cervical spine to degeneration, leading to neck pain. I also demonstrate a simple device I use called the PosturePump that can help reverse FHP.
Neck Pain and Chronic Headaches
Studies suggest that neck problems can be a source of headaches. This class of headache is called cervicogenic headache, and may arise from obstructed nerves and/or blood vessels passing through the cervical spine and into the head and brain region. There are anecdotal cases of neck problems causing sinus congestion, malocclusion/ TMJ pain; distorted vision, muffled hearing, and even mental fogginess. It makes sense, due to the mechanical relationship/proximity between the neck structures and sensory organs inside the cranium.
Make sure to get evaluated by a doctor first to better understand and confirm the nature of your neck pain. Neck pain may be due to serious conditions requiring immediate medical care which include, but are not limited to vertebral fractures, esophageal or tracheal disorders; anastomosis of blood vessels; advanced osteoporosis, syringomyelia and cancer. Also, you should know if you have congenital malformations in your cervical spine because some physical rehabilitation methods may be contraindicated, and even dangerous for you. Examples of cervical congenital malformations are fused cervical vetebrae and Chiari malformation.
