Chronic non-specific neck pain is the most common form of neck pain. The inclusion of the word “non-specific” implies the cause of neck pain is unknown. The term really describes neck pain without an underlying disease or pathology—like an infection or osteoporotic fracture. Thus, chronic non-specific neck pain refers to neck pain arising from postural or mechanical causes of the neck that has persisted for at least three months.
When a patient initially consults with a doctor of chiropractic regarding their chronic neck pain, they’ll complete a health history. If any red flags are present that suggest a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Sudden weight loss, fever, severe pain, loss of coordination, chest pain, shortness of breath, thunderclap headache, etc. The patient may immediately need to go to the emergency department or a specialist.
Chronic Neck Pain Help
Chiropractors will then perform a physical examination to identify the primary pain generator(s). Using palpation, orthopedic tests, and range of motion (often, limited in one particular direction) traces the pain. Especially if it radiates into an arm or down into the shoulder blade region. The chiropractor will also assess the upper extremity nerves for muscle strength and reflexes. They also assess the sensory function by skin senses to pinprick and scratch.
Perhaps the most common cause of non-specific neck pain is an injury to the facet joints that sit at the rear of the spinal vertebrae. However, the patient’s neck pain may come from the disks, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the head and put the neck through its full range of motion. Patients with chronic neck pain are also likely to have postural defects—such as forward head posture—that place abnormal strain on the tissues of the neck to support the head.
Once the potential pain generators are identified, the doctor of chiropractic will formulate a treatment plan that may include spinal manipulation, mobilization, manual release techniques, trigger point therapy, neck-specific exercises, and postural retraining—all with the goal of reducing neck pain and disability so that the patient can resume their everyday work and life activities.
