Table of contents

Relieve the neck by the chiropractor

Who is affected by neck pain?

Although less common than back pain, neck pain affects between 10% and 20% of the adult population. The musculoskeletal disorders responsible for this pain are affecting a growing number of people.

This phenomenon could be attributed mainly to the ageing of the population, and the increasing number of workers spending long hours in front of a computer. It is possible that a link exists between computer use and neck pain, but this has not been definitively established scientifically.

Understanding neck pain

Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, can have a number of different origins, such as cervical sprain/strain, torticollis, herniated discs or osteoarthritis. They are often accompanied by stiffness that limits neck movement. Pain can also radiate down the arms or between the shoulder blades. But what causes these pains?

Neck pain and chiropractic

Why does my neck hurt?

Cervicalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain in the upper spine, affecting the cervical vertebrae and the muscles of the neck and upper back. This pain can radiate from the neck to the upper back and even into the arms.

The neck is made up of seven vertebrae, designated C1 to C7. Between these vertebrae are intervertebral discs containing a gel that gives the neck its mobility and absorbs shocks. Without these discs, the vertebrae would rub against each other. The whole is surrounded by muscles, tendons and ligaments that provide stability and mobility to the spinal joints.

In the case of cervicalgia or neck pain, the pain can sometimes radiate throughout the upper part of the body, particularly the upper back and shoulders. Symptoms may differ depending on the area affected, including:

In cases of neck pain or neck pain, the pain can sometimes radiate throughout the upper part of the body, particularly in the upper back and shoulders. Symptoms may differ depending on the affected area, including:
  • Vertebrae
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments
  • Muscles
  • Nerves

Your chiropractor is skilled in evaluating, diagnosing, and providing chiropractic care to relieve neck and upper back pain. With his or her expertise, he or she will be able to determine which structures are involved and effectively relieve the pain.

Dr. Valery Bergeron, chiropractor at Tonika Clinique Chiropratique, will help her patient manage neck pain. With her caring and skilled approach, she is determined to provide effective pain relief.

Discover the various causes of neck pain

1. Muscle tension and stiffness

Staying in the same position for long hours or performing repetitive movements with inadequate posture can cause persistent muscle tension or muscle spasm in the shoulders and neck, which can lead to pain.

whiplash and chiro in Montreal, Qc

2. Cervical strain (commonly known as “whiplash”)

Whiplash is an injury to the ligaments of the neck, ranging from stretching to tearing, and often occurs following an impact such as a car accident (whiplash), a fall or a blow during sports.

This injury occurs when a sudden movement forces the cervical spine to move beyond its normal range of motion, causing excessive tension on the ligaments. This can lead to inflammation, resulting in neck pain and stiffness.

Depending on the severity of the sprain and the structures involved, other symptoms such as headaches or dizziness may also occur.

3. Torticollis

Torticollis is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contraction (spasm) in the neck region, resulting in limited movement and restriction of the head in an uncomfortable position.

This condition can occur suddenly, often following a sudden or false movement, or even without any apparent cause. More rarely, it can be caused by a cervical sprain or herniated disc.

4. Cervical osteoarthritis

Cervical osteoarthritis, also known as cervicarthrosis, is a degenerative disease of the cervical vertebrae in the neck. The condition results from progressive wear and tear of the cartilage and intervertebral discs, as well as adjacent bony changes.

It is often associated with aging, but can also be exacerbated by other factors, such as previous injuries or certain repetitive activities. Symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes numbness or tingling in the arms.

It usually begins in the 40s and most commonly affects people over the age of 50.

5. Cervical disc herniation

Cervical disc herniation is a common pathology affecting the neck region, often resulting from a tear or injury to the discs of the spinal column.

This condition is characterized by the displacement or protrusion of an intervertebral disc, which can put pressure on the cervical nerves and cause pain, stiffness, and sometimes numbness or weakness in the arms.

Factors that contribute to cervical disc herniation include age, intense physical activity, certain prolonged positions, or repetitive movements. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.

6. Text neck syndrome

“Text neck syndrome”, often treated in chiropractic clinics, is an emerging health problem associated with the excessive use of mobile devices such as cell phones and tablet computers.

This syndrome, characterized by neck pain and musculoskeletal disorders, results from the prolonged and improper posture typically observed when using these technologies. Tilting the head forward to view a screen significantly increases the pressure on the neck. A 15-degree tilt can nearly triple the load on the cervical vertebrae, from a normal weight to a load of nearly 12 kg.

This increase in pressure can lead to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, muscle fatigue, and even changes in the natural curvature of the spine – problems often treated by chiropractors.

Relieve Text Neck

7. Cervical facet syndrome

Cervical facet syndrome, also known as facet joint pain, is a common cause of neck pain that is often treated with chiropractic care. This syndrome affects the facet joints, which are located behind the vertebrae of the cervical spine.

The pain associated with facet syndrome results from irritation and inflammation of one or more facet joints. This condition can cause radiating pain if the nerve is affected at its exit point. Facet syndrome is caused by damage to the cartilage of the facet joint, often due to excessive movement, especially in rotation and extension.

Several factors can cause this irritation, including sudden movements, rapid weightlifting, a fall or trauma, prolonged improper posture, repetitive work or activities in non-ergonomic conditions, and osteoarthritis.

What should I do if my neck hurts?

If you suffer from neck pain or torticollis and are looking for effective relief, considering a chiropractic consultation may be an ideal solution. Chiropractors are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain and use a variety of chiropractic techniques to provide specific chiropractic treatment for neck pain.

By visiting a chiropractor, you’ll benefit from individualized chiropractic care, which is recognized as an effective natural treatment for pain relief. The benefits of chiropractic treatment (or chiropractic care) in treating neck pain, torticollis, herniated discs, or cervical osteoarthritis are many, including quick and lasting relief, making it a popular alternative to drug treatment.

Dr. Valery Bergeron, chiropractor, offers personalized solutions for neck pain relief. With extensive skills in manual therapy, mobilization and chiropractic manipulation, Dr. Bergeron, chiropractor, is committed to providing natural care for neck pain sufferers.

Her practice focuses on relieving pain and improving health, using techniques tailored to each patient to ensure optimal wellness. A chiropractic consultation at Tonika Clinique Chiropratique is a unique experience, where each patient is treated with care and professionalism, promising a personalized approach to care and including advice tailored to your rehabilitation.

What should I do if my neck hurts?

For a consultation with a chiropractor for your neck pain in Montreal and Saint-Lambert, please contact us!

Inflammatory back pain + Chiropractor in Montreal
  • 615 Boul. René-Lévesque West, Office 610, Downtown Montreal, H3B 1P5
  • 27 Boulevard Desaulniers, Saint-Lambert, Quebec, J4P 1L7

Dr. Valéry Bergeron, chiropractor, D.C.

Chiropractor in downtown Montreal and Saint-Lambert.

I run the Tonika Clinique Chiropractique clinic.

I have been practicing chiropractic since 2006.

  • Member of the Order of Chiropractors of Quebec (OCQ)
  • Member of the OCQ disciplinary committee (2014 to present)
  • Member of the Professional Liability Insurance Committee of the OCQ Québec (2009-2011)
  • Member of the Association of Chiropractors of Quebec (ACQ)
  • Member of the Chiropractors Association of Canada (ACC)
  • Volunteer chiropractor with the Les Aigles football team at Amitié secondary school (2006-2010)

Tonika Clinique Chiropractique, the solution for your neck pain in Montreal and Saint-Lambert!