Back to Health Center

Imagine balancing a 12 lb. (5.5 kg.) bowling ball on the tips of your fingers. All day long. That's just one of many things your neck must do. Your neck and shoulders work hard. Even the smallest deviation in the relationships of the seven bones of your cervical spine (neck) can cause pain and reduced head and neck mobility.

"Some over-the-counter pain reliever might dull the pain, but it ignores the underlying cause! Plus how does the medication know where to go, to "fix" the problem "
- Dr. Merkle & Dr. Dyer

Your Neck is Nerve-Rich

Your neck is one of the most nerve-rich areas of your spine. Problems here can cause problems throughout your body. Generally, we see two types of neck pain cases. Minor neck and shoulder pain involve sensations of discomfort, stiffness or soreness. If these symptoms last for more than a day or so, occur frequently or were preceded by an accident or some type of injury, we consider it major.

Neck Pain: Response to Stress

Physical, emotional or chemical stress can affect the frequency and severity of neck pain. For many of us, the neck and shoulders are the "weakest link in the chain" and so stress shows up here. Often, emotional stress is the overlooked culprit. Ever hear of something being a "pain in the neck" Fear, anger or frustration can trigger the tightening of our neck muscles without our even being conscious. In time, chronic muscle spasms set in; this can lead to headaches.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites