The neck helps stabilize the weight of your head, brain, and other vital organs. It also contains a protective covering that surrounds blood vessels, nerves, and vertebrae that facilitate motor and sensory functions. However, the neck may be susceptible to various forms of injury and functional impairment.
Cervical Nerve Compression
The spinal nerves supply the different organs of the body. They can control movement and sensation. Specialized classes called cervical nerves located below the skull supply the neck.
Signals from the command centers of the brain are conducted through these pathways. Unfortunately, nerve segments are vulnerable to compression when the neck receives extreme force or pressure. This leads to pinched nerve syndrome characterized by pain, heaviness, or discomfort.
Neck Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by pain and stiffness localized to a particular joint. The illness progresses as an individual becomes older because the bones and cartilages undergo physiological deterioration and weakness.
Degeneration of spinal structures in the neck may lead to pain that gradually worsens before and after sleeping. A person with neck osteoarthritis may also experience recurrent headache that may spread to the back of the head.
Facet Joint Disorders
Small facets are present in all spines to provide stability and facilitate twisting movements of the neck. However, these facets can be damaged when the maximum angle of motion is exceeded during accidents and sudden head turning. Individuals with facet joint disorders experience sudden pain and stiffness of the neck, which leads to diminished capacity to bend and rotate the head.
Apollo Chiropractor says infectious, inflammatory, and traumatic disorders may cause neck pain. Fortunately, you get neck pain relief through neck exercises, traction, and chiropractic techniques. Different chiropractic practices focus on gentle traction and neck movement to increase the range of cervical motion.
A skilled therapist must perform these methods. They utilize passive movement exercises to improve neck relaxation.