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How to Tell if You Have a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Pinched nerve in the neckA pinched nerve in the neck is not what it sounds like in most cases. Far more often than not, what people refer to as a “pinched nerve” in the upper back (or “cervical” region of the spine) is actually a strained muscle. The muscles in the neck region might become strained when you sleep with your head in an awkward position, or if your head turns quickly at an unusual angle. While extremely painful in some cases, the pain will usually subside after a few days, and can typically be managed using over-the-counter pain medication. However, there is another condition that actually does deserve the title, “pinched nerve,” and that can produce symptoms which are much more difficult to manage. Read more

Is Your Pillow Causing Your Neck Pain?

waking up with neck pain pillows for reliefMany people suffer from neck pain on a daily basis, often waking up with pain that then throws off the whole day. Simultaneous neck and shoulder pain can make it difficult to engage in normal everyday activities, including self-care, childcare, and work. Instead of throwing money at drugs that mask the pain, there may be a simple solution to neck pain, you just have to sleep on it. Yes, neck pain relief could be as simple as getting a better pillow. Read more

Carotid Artery Dissection, Neck Pain, and Horner’s Syndrome

carotid artery dissection and neck pain and horner's syndromeThe majority of acute onset neck pain is due to muscle tension but in some cases left-sided neck pain, right-sided neck pain, or neck pain that presents with Horner’s syndrome are the result of carotid artery dissection or carotidynia. It appears that carotid artery dissection, whilst once thought fairly rare, is actually a risk for many people, young or old, active or inactive. Indeed, activities such as running, golf, and contact sports can all lead to acute trauma to the carotid artery and neck pain, and for some patients this can be fatal. In today’s blog post we take a look at a case of Horner’s syndrome as a result of carotid artery dissection. Read more

Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain Relief Using Exercise Balls

exercise ball ankylosing spondylitis for neck pain treatmentUsing an exercise ball to help improve muscle strength provides relief from ankylosing spondylitis according to a recent study. The results of this trial offer hope of effective conservative therapy for those with back and neck pain from the condition and may help reduce reliance on pain medications as well as delay the need for neck surgery. Read more

Learning More About Your Cervical Herniated Disc Diagnosis

Herniated Disc DiagnosisIf you’re like many people, receiving a cervical herniated disc diagnosis gives rise to mixed emotions. On the one hand, it is likely a relief to finally know the cause of the neck pain and other forms of discomfort that you may have been struggling with for weeks or months. On the other hand, it can be scary to find out that you are suffering from a degenerative condition that has the potential to get worse over time.

The important thing to keep in mind when you do receive your diagnosis is to remain positive and patient. The treatment process many involve a certain degree of trial and error. It is unlikely that any one treatment will provide total relief, but a combination of conservative treatments like exercise, stretching, medication, and hot/cold compresses will probably help to alleviate your neck pain and other symptoms. Read more

Why a Herniated Disc Causes Referred Pain

Herniated Disc CausesA herniated disc causes many different types of symptoms, from shooting pain to muscle weakness to a pins-and-needles sensation. Depending on the location of the herniated disc, these symptoms can reach as far as the fingers and toes. Why? Because all of the nerves that provide muscle and sensory stimulation throughout the body are extensions of the spinal nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord. If an anatomical abnormality like a herniated disc intrudes on the spaces in the spinal column where the spinal cord and its nerve roots reside, and nerve tissue becomes compressed, pain signals may be sent along the entire path of the compressed nerve.


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Volleyball and Neck Pain

beach volleyball and neck painThe sun is shining, you’re in your best beach attire, you’re working up a sweat (and a tan) with some beach volleyball and neck pain strikes. Don’t end up sitting this season out; make sure to avoid injuries by following these simple steps to have fun in the sun and do some great smashes over that volleyball net. Read more

Neck Pain from Breastfeeding

breastfeeding with neck pain lying downThe trials and tribulations of new motherhood are wide-ranging but one particular problem that is often overlooked is shoulder and neck pain when breastfeeding. For some women this can be so intensely painful that they end up in the emergency room, are prescribed strong analgesics and anti-inflammatories, and often give up on breastfeeding because it becomes impossible. Luckily, there are chiropractors and breastfeeding specialists who can offer good advice to mothers struggling with neck and shoulder pain related to feeding their infant. Read more

What is Cervicothoracic Junction Kyphosis?

cervicothoracic junction deformityUnlike lumbar and thoracic curves, cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) kyphosis, a distinctive and complex cause of neck pain and other symptoms, is not normally associated with scoliosis. Instead, CTJ deformity involves a sagittal imbalance, where the spine takes on abnormal curvature front to back rather than side to side.

Treating CTJ deformity can be difficult and likely involves back and neck surgery to reconstruct the spine in order to restore balance and realign the neck and head. Read more

Treating a Herniated Disc in Your Neck

Herniated disc in the neckIf you have a herniated disc in your neck, you may be experiencing a number of symptoms. A herniated disc is a deteriorating intervertebral disc that has a tear in its outer wall (annulus fibrosus) which can allow the release of its inner, gel-like core (nucleus pulposus) into the spinal canal. This extruded disc material can come into contact with the spinal cord or nerve roots, which is typically the cause of discomfort for patients with this condition. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain and an aching shoulder or numbness, muscle weakness, and shooting pains in your arm, you are probably looking for a way to relieve those symptoms. Read more