Edward Cremata, DC, QME, FRCP(US)

While there are many reasons why someone may experience neck pain, such as sleeping in a bad position, the underlying problem involves the neck and spinal muscles. The spine can be curved, twisted or misaligned by the various mishaps of our daily living. Once the spine is misaligned, prolonged or repetitive contractions of the muscles that are attached to the spinal bones in the neck and back can aggravate the misalignment.

Many things can cause muscle contractions in the spine. Physical stress can be caused by keeping your head in a contracted position for an extended period of time such as painting a ceiling or holding a phone between your head and shoulder. Whiplash or any form of neck injury can also be physical causes. Emotional stress, such as feelings of anger, fear, worry, hatred, and jealousy also cause the spinal muscles to contract.

Although the stresses that cause contractions in our spinal muscles should be avoided, chiropractic manipulation can realign the spinal bones so that the contractions will not cause further problems.