Neck Pain

In this post, we’ll explore the different types of neck pain, common causes, and how chiropractic care can help. At Whitetree Chiropractic in Edinburgh, we’re committed to helping our clients find relief from acute and chronic neck pain and discomfort through natural, non-invasive methods.

Types of Neck Pain: Muscle, Joint, and Nervous System Pain

Understanding the source of neck pain is the first step toward effective treatment. Generally, neck pain falls into three categories: muscle pain, joint pain, and nervous system pain.

Neck muscle pain

Muscle-related neck pain often manifests as stiffness and aches around the neck, shoulders, and even into the head. This type of pain frequently causes discomfort behind the eyes or across the forehead. These symptoms stem from common “referral patterns” of neck muscles, where tension in one area leads to pain in another.

These are common muscle referral patterns from the muscles of the neck, with the X showing where the tension in the muscle is, and the red area showing where that muscle can cause pain.

Why does muscle pain occur?

Postural stress is a major contributor to neck muscle tension (read more here). Other causes include:

Extended screen time (looking at a mobile device for too long)
Emotional stress
Poor posture, especially in the middle of the back
Infrequent desk setup adjustments
Sleeping on your front

These habits cause repetitive strain and lead to muscle fatigue. Stretching and regular movement are essential to relieve this type of neck tension, and work well alongside the chiropractic adjustment.

Neck joint pain or tension

When we sit or stand still for extended periods, the small, intrinsic muscles of the spine fatigue, causing us to rely on joints and connective tissue, which leads to joint tension. In chiropractic terms, we call these areas of restricted movement “subluxations.”

What are subluxations? Subluxations are areas where joints are not moving as they should, resulting in muscle weakening and pain. Restricted joint movement impacts muscle function and even reduces the brain’s ability to understand body positioning, which can affect balance and coordination.

Below is an image that is a horizontal cut through of the low back – you can see the muscles as dark (almost looks like a pork chop), whereas the worse the joint restriction is, the more fatty (that is white) the muscle tissue becomes, showing that the longer a joint is stuck, the worse the muscle function becomes, potentially causing pain and creating weak feedback to the brain.

The Nervous System and Chronic Neck Pain

While complex, the nervous system plays a significant role in neck pain. Limited joint movement and muscle fatigue can interfere with the brain’s sense of body position, resulting in abnormal movement patterns. This dysfunction may contribute to chronic pain, a type of pain that persists for over three months. Chronic neck pain is more complex and requires a different approach than acute pain.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Neck Pain

As a chiropractor in Edinburgh, I focus on improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing the nervous system’s feedback to the brain. Chiropractic adjustments can lead to:

Reduced neck pain
Improved range of motion
Enhanced muscle strength
Better concentration and reaction times
Improved balance and coordination
Unexpected benefits like improved visual acuity and wider visual fields (research-supported)

Chiropractic care targets the root causes of neck pain, offering a holistic approach to wellness that addresses not just symptoms but also underlying dysfunctions.

Get in Touch for Neck Pain Relief in Edinburgh

If you’re struggling with neck pain and looking for a chiropractor in Edinburgh, consider scheduling an appointment at Whitetree Chiropractic. We’re here to answer your questions, assess your symptoms, and develop a customized plan to help you feel better, faster.

Yours in health – Gary Blackwood DC

Research

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•Branney, J., & Breen, A. C. (2014). Does inter-vertebral range of motion increase after spinal manipulation? A prospective cohort study. Chiropr Man Therap, 22, 24. doi: 10.1186/s12998-014-0024-9

•Buneo, C. A., & Andersen, R. A. (2006). The posterior parietal cortex: sensorimotor interface for the planning and online control of visually guided movements. Neuropsychologia, 44(13), 2594-2606.

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•Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2011). Subclinical neck pain and the effects of cervical manipulation on elbow joint position sense. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 34(2), 88-97. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.12.009

•Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 22(5), 768-776. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.02.012

•Haavik Taylor, H., Holt, K., & Murphy, B. (2010). Exploring the neuromodulatory effects of the vertebral subluxation and chiropractic care. Chiropr J Aust, 40(1), 37-44.

•Haavik Taylor, H., & Murphy, B. (2007). Altered cortical integration of dual somatosensory input following the cessation of a 20 minute period of repetitive muscle activity. Exp Br Res, 178(4), 488-498.

•Haavik Taylor, H., & Murphy, B. (2007). Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration: A somatosensory evoked potential study. Clinical Neurophysiology, 118(2), 391-402.

•Haavik Taylor, H., & Murphy, B. (2008). Altered sensorimotor integration with cervical spine manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 31(2), 115-126.

•Haavik Taylor, H., & Murphy, B. (2010). Altered central integration of dual somatosensory input after cervical spine manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 33(3), 178-188.