Head and neck pain are commonly caused by trauma, improper posture, overuse, disc problems and more. They’re often related but can also have separate, distinct origins that require precise treatment. Chiropractor Dr Bradley Waterer is trained to assess the nature of your complaint and determine whether we can help you.
Pain from invertebral discs can result from overuse, trauma, disc degeneration, sudden movement and postural issues. The onset of discomfort is immediate or in some cases may be delayed, radiating into the shoulders and back, causing headaches, possible bruising and swelling or muscle spasm. The degenerative changes can be seen on X-rays.
A slow, dull and aching pain in the neck, stiffness in the morning, pain increased by heavy or repetitive use and a reduced range of motion are signs of cervical degenerative joint disease. It’s caused by genetic predisposition, metabolic factors, trauma, abnormal biomechanics and repetitive motions. X-rays demonstrate the formation of osteophytes, a narrowed disc and subchondral cysts and sclerosis.
Cervical facet syndrome is caused by whiplash, sprains and strains, cervical injuries, postural abnormalities and arthritis. The signs of it include sharp pain, dull and aching pain, decreased range of motion, headaches and pain that refers into the shoulders and upper back.
From spinal pathology, repeated motions, trauma, sprains and strains or rheumatoid arthritis, cervical instability results in damage that can range from nonexistent to serious. The symptoms of it include clicking sounds and recurrent neck pain that can be alleviated by rest and further aggravated by sustained positions.
Neural compression can be the result of certain head positions that put pressure on the spinal nerves, disc herniation and bony overgrowths. Cervical radiculopathy results in an aching or burning neck pain, radiating pain into the arms and muscle weakness.
When the spinal cord and nerves are compressed from demyelinating disorders, trauma, infection, tumours, degenerative conditions and vascular disease, cervical myelopathy can result. The symptoms differ depending on which part of the spinal cord is affected, though neck pain and weakness, numbness and pain in the arms and legs are common.
A quick movement can compress or stretch the nerves that go from the arm into the back of the neck. It causes pinching, burning or shocking sensations as well as burning, weakness or numbness in the arm and hand.
The nerves, arteries and veins in the arm can be compressed by tight muscles, bony structures and pathologies like tumours, resulting in thoracic outlet syndrome. The signs of this condition include tingling, numbness, weakness and pain in the shoulder, neck, arms and hands.
Trauma such as falls and sports injuries, poor posture, fatigue and overuse can lead to the damage of certain structures in the spine. The symptoms of a cervical sprain, strain or whiplash depend on the severity of the sprain or strain. Immediately or in the days following, pain in the neck, shoulders or arms is present in addition to headaches and tinnitus.
When the jaw joint and surrounding muscles are subject to stress, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle spasm, teeth grinding and dental abnormalities, TMJ syndrome can occur. The signs of it are several, such as jaw and facial pain, inability to open the mouth fully, earaches, locking and clicking jaw joint and neck pain.
Torticollis is when an acquired or congenital rotation and sideways bent of the head and neck from cervical muscles shorten or spasm. It happens due to muscle strain, spinal infections, neck injuries and pathologies or tumours. Those who experience it have a neck that rotates and bends to one side and is stiff and painful.
Headaches
There are four separate types of headaches and each is caused by different factors and involves unique symptoms.
Head pain that refers from the neck can be caused by joint dysfunction, cervical trauma, sustained neck posture and repetitive movements of the shoulders and neck. It results in suboccipital and neck pain that may go into the eyes, forehead, ears and temples and is aggravated by certain head positions.
Tension headaches originate from muscles that are affected by lack of sleep, stress, postural imbalances, muscle strain, TMJ syndrome and certain psychological factors such as depression. It feels as if there is a tight band around the head though the pain isn’t throbbing and nausea is not involved.
A cluster headache involves sudden and severe eye pain on one side that sufferers describe as piercing, deep and excruciating. It’s caused by vascular abnormalities, hormonal influences, stress, allergies, bright lights, alcohol, genetics or tobacco and lasts 5-180 minutes.
Migraines involve recurring head pain caused by changes in either the brain or the surrounding vasculature and can happen with or without an aura. The causes include genetic predisposition, neural and vascular disturbances or a Type A personality. Triggering factors such as hormonal changes, stress, blood sugar changes and medication can influence migraines.
The foods that are commonly associated with a migraine include cheese, red wine, chocolate, nuts, tea, coffee, niacin, alcohol, processed foods, MSG and preservatives. The pain can be one-sided or localised and is throbbing and moderate to severe in nature. The migraine generally builds up for a couple of hours and can be accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
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