One of the most common sources of neck pain in Anchorage AK is a phenomenon known as "straight neck syndrome." If you look at a photo of a healthy spine, the neck is actually slightly curved. It curves inward toward the face. This allows the neck to have a little bit of give in order to support the head, one of the heaviest parts of the body. A curved neck absorbs much of the shock of normal physical activity, protecting the very delicate human brain. Straight neck syndrome can be caused by several different factors. First, it can be the result of a neck injury. Whiplash from an auto or sports accident is probably the most common cause of straight neck syndrome. The whiplash pushes the neck back and straightens the natural curve. Straight neck syndrome can also be caused by too much forward head use, such as sitting for long periods of time at a desk or table. People who spend a great deal of time at a desk job, reading, crafting, or other sedentary activity are at greater risk for this syndrome.
If you are experiencing Anchorage AK neck pain, you should be checked for straight neck syndrome. Neck pain is a very common symptom because pressure from the head causes deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae of the neck. Over time, if left untreated, straight neck syndrome will cause the discs to completely wear away. The vertebrae will then be sitting directly on top of one another and be rubbing against each other. This is extremely painful and usually requires surgery to correct.
To diagnose and treat your Anchorage AK neck pain, see a chiropractor right away. Your chiropractor will take several x-rays of your neck to determine if the curve is still in place or has been eliminated. He will also look at the condition of the disks in-between each vertebrae. If you are diagnosed with straight neck syndrome early, the chiropractor can use pain-free adjustments to treat the neck and encourage the vertebrae to curve again. In addition, he will likely provide you with a foam wedge to take home and use. This wedge should be placed directly against your neck as you lie on a flat surface. Your head will be tipped back so that you are looking at the ceiling or the top of the wall behind you. You will want to lay in this position every day, starting for 5 minutes and increasing gradually to 20 minutes--or whatever time frame your chiropractor recommends.
If you are consistent with your neck adjustments and home exercises, the treatments should gently and gradually restore the curve to your neck after just a few months. Your Anchorage AK neck pain will gradually diminish and you will start to notice an overall feeling of health and energy. Spinal misalignment is often the root cause of other symptoms in the body, so you may notice fewer headaches, stomach pains, or allergy attacks.
If your straight neck syndrome has progressed to the point where surgery is required, your chiropractor will refer you out to a surgeon capable of handling your case. This will require a longer and more painful recovery process, but the end result will be worth it. It is very rare that your case would have progressed this far, however, so don't worry too much about surgery.
If you are experiencing neck pain, don't wait any longer to find out the cause. Visit your chiropractor today and asked to be checked for straight neck syndrome. The diagnosis process is simple, and the sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will say goodbye to neck pain.
