Neck Pain / Shoulder Pain

Both neck and shoulder pain are incredibly common concerns that I see and there are a multitude of contributing factors and causes. There can be single tissues which have been aggravated (specific joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscles, bursae, nerves) or a combination of integral supporting structures and tissues that are under strain. They can be caused by recent physical strains and traumas but more often than not they are caused by a gradual build up of stress and strain over the years. Many people report that they don’t recall a specific incident and that is because we are accustomed to think that a particular problem stems from a particular injury. However it’s important to be aware that our current lifestyles (sitting at desks from an early age, phones, computer screens just to name a few) have been adding undue strain and tension to our spines. “But I didn’t do anything different” is actually quite a common culprit to neck and shoulder concerns.

On top of physical stressors and trauma’s, psychological and emotional stress is also a big contributor to neck and shoulder pain and tension. There are certain areas in our bodies where we tend to feel and “hold our stress.” Typically, if we are under emotional stress we will often hold our posture in a certain way which ALSO adds to the physical stress causing neck and shoulder problems.

Neck and Shoulder Treatment

Under normal and healthy circumstances the neck should have a full and smooth range of motion in all directions. The ear should sit directly on top of the shoulder and the shoulders should not have any forward rolling.

In order to appropriately treat and resolve neck and shoulder pain, a working diagnosis needs to be created by assessing which structures and tissues have been impacted. After a thorough history consultation and physical examination a clinical picture can be made which allows to determine if chiropractic care is the appropriate treatment approach.

Chiropractic care at Jungle Chiropractic for neck and shoulder pain may involve specific chiropractic adjustments, mobilisations, postural and rehabilitative exercises plus addressing lifestyle aspects which have contributed to the initial problem.