NECK PAIN

The cervical spine is a relatively delicate structure.  It acts as a support for our head which is one of the heaviest parts of our body.  This structure is susceptible to damage lever arm in acute injury events, forcing the head to move quickly into the extremes of the range of movement.  These extreme movements may damage the cervical spine itself, soft tissue and neural structures as in whiplash.  This area is also affected more insidiously by poor posture or positions held for a prolonged time, such as forward head position where the neck muscles are constantly engaged and overused.  Poor posture and injuries can lead to arthritic changes in the skeletal structure.  Neck problems can be a cause of headache and if the neural structures in the neck are involved radiating sensations such as pain, pins and needles, tingling and numbness into the shoulders and down the arms can be experienced.