Neck pain is a common and costly problem in Western society. Nearly 60% of the population will experience neck pain at some point in their lives, and at any one time about 5% of the North American population has sufficient pain in their neck to cause disability. (See reference 1).
The head is supported by the neck and upper back, and it is these areas that commonly cause neck pain. The top three joints in the neck allow for most movement of your neck and head. The lower joints in the neck and those of the upper back create a supportive structure for your head to sit on.
What causes neck pain?
The vast majority of episodes of neck pain are the result of benign musculoskeletal problems of the muscles, ligaments or joints. However, the pain can be caused by numerous other spinal or non-spinal problems. Determining the cause and structural source of the pain is important for determining the appropriate treatment.
The healthcare professionals at Able Body Health Clinic are experts in the differential diagnosis of neck pain and can advise you on your treatment options, or tell you if your condition requires a visit to your medical physician.
How can neck pain be treated?
For many people, effective and timely treatment can shorten the recovery time and reduce the likelihood that the pain will come back. There are numerous treatment options available; however, no obvious single treatment modality has been shown to be the best. As such, patient preference plays a large role in determining which treatment option is appropriate (See reference 2).
Chiropractic care is an effective and well-researched therapy for neck pain!
What does the public say? The 2011 Consumer Reports Overview of Alternative Therapies rated chiropractic the most effective treatment for neck pain, more effective than massage or medications!
What does the research say? A 2010 review found that spine manipulation or mobilization may provide immediate or short-term improvement in pain and function (See reference 3). Another study found that for people with pain of less than 6 months duration, chiropractic adjustments were more effective than medication in both the short and long term (See reference 4).
What do medical doctors say? A survey-based study of Canadian family physicians found that over 80% of medical doctors who responded think that chiropractors provide effective therapy for musculoskeletal conditions, such as neck pain (See reference 5).
Other Conservative therapies
*Note: Most of these therapies are available at Able Body Health Clinic. The health care professionals at Able Body Health Clinic can tell you which therapies are safe and effective depending on your specific condition.
• Rehabilitative exercise and specific activity recommendations – Engaging in physical activity within the limits of your pain is critical to a speedy recovery when done correctly. Specific stretching and strengthening, as recommended by your health care provider, can help to restore motion and strength to your neck and can be very helpful in relieving pain and preventing future episodes (See reference 6).
• Physical modalities – These therapies can offer short-term pain relief and include laser therapy (See reference 7) and electrical stimulation (See reference 8).
• Acupuncture – Acupuncture can offer significant relief of neck pain (See reference 9).
• Massage Therapy – Massage therapy can offer significant relief of neck pain (See reference 10).
What about medications or surgery?
*Note, while the health care professionals at Able Body Health Clinic can provide you with information regarding your pharmaceutical and surgical options, you should never start taking any new medications without the advice of your pharmacist or medical physician.
• Medication – While manual therapy and exercise have been shown to be superior to medications for mechanical causes of neck pain (see Reference 4), there are some medications, such as analgesics or anti-inflammatory that may be useful for people with severe pain.
• Surgery – Surgery is sometimes necessary for some people, such as those with spinal instability or progressive neurological deficits; however, for most people surgery and overtreatment with non-surgical options should both be avoided and used as a final resort.
References
1) Alexander EP. History, physical examination, and differential diagnosis of np. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2011 Aug;22(3):383-93, vii.
2) Plastaras CT, Schran S, Kim N, Sorosky S, Darr D, Chen MS, Lansky R. Complementary and alternative treatment for np: chiropractic, acupuncture, TENS, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2011 Aug;22(3):521-37, ix.
3) Gross A, Miller J, D’Sylva J, Burnie SJ, Goldsmith CH, Graham N, et al. Manipulation or mobilisation for np. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jan 20;(1):CD004249.
4) Bronfort G, Evans R, Anderson AV, Svendsen KH, Bracha Y, Grimm RH. Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute np: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2012 Jan 3;156(1 Pt 1):1-10.
5) , , , , , , , Attitudes Towards Chiropractic: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Canadian Family Physicians. BMC Family Practice. 2021.
6) Miller J, Gross A, D’Sylva J, Burnie SJ, Goldsmith CH, Graham N, et al. Manual therapy and exercise for np: A systematic review. Man Ther. 2010 Aug;15(4):334-54.
7) Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of np: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. Lancet. 2009; 374 (9705): 1897-1908.
8) Escortell-Mayor E, Riesgo-Fuertes R, Garrido-Elustondo S, Asúnsolo-Del Barco A, et al. Primary care randomized clinical trial: manual therapy effectiveness in comparison with TENS in patients with np. Man Ther. 2011 Feb;16(1):66-73.
9) Kelly RB. Acupuncture for pain. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Sep 1;80(5):481-4.
10) Sherman KJ, Cherkin DC, Hawkes RJ, Miglioretti DL, Deyo RA. Randomized trial of therapeutic massage for chronic np. Clin J Pain. 2009 Mar-Apr;25(3):233-8.