Neck Pain

How widespread is neck pain?

• 70 percent of Americans will suffer from neck pain at some point during their lives
• 12 percent of Alaskans are suffering from neck pain right now
• 20 million Americans suffer from non-work-related neck pain

What are the symptoms of neck pain?

• Pain in the neck
• Pain or numbness in the arms or hands
• Headaches
• Restricted range of motion
• Stiffness

What causes neck pain?

• Neck pain can be caused by a number of common conditions, including:
• Whiplash – the most common cause of neck pain; caused by the sudden movement of the head backward, forward or sideways
• Subluxations – “stuck” or “out of place” vertebrae (the bones that make up your spine)
• Disc degeneration – discs in between your vertebrae that are worn thin due to loss of fluid content
• Bulging or herniated discs – discs in between your vertebrate push to one side or rupture
• Arthritis – cartilage in the joints deteriorates, causing the bones in the joints to rub together. These conditions are caused by a number of factors, including poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, injuries, obesity, dehydration or just plain age.

What can be done about neck pain?

• Physical/Occupational therapy
• Massage therapy
• Advanced treatments, such as the Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU), a comprehensive therapy that combines diagnosis and treatment to restore neck movement and strength.
• Surgery and spine injections in more complicated cases.