The Truth about Neck Pain

Neck pain is a very common and poorly-treated problem in our society. Studies show that, globally, more than one quarter of people had neck pain in the last year – that’s over 2 billion people!
According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), chronic pain affects approximately 30% of the population in Dubai. It includes various forms of spinal pain, including neck pain. According to Arab Health survey in 2020, the prevalence of spine pain in UAE residents is over 60%. 
A study by the University of Sharjah showed that during Covid, 63% of UAE students were experiencing neck pain at any given point in time. Neck pain in Dubai is common.

Types of Neck Pain

The human spine is complex. There are many structures that make up the anatomy of the spine – any one of these can generate pain.
Bones – the neck has 7 bones called vertebrae
Joints – two small facet joints at the back of the neck allow movement between bones – allowing us to turn, look up, and look down.
Disc – a large oval cushion that sits between the bones of the neck.
Nerves – there are 8 nerves on either side of the neck. These nerves come out of tiny holes in the spine and carry vital signals between the brain and the body.
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments – These attach to the bones and are responsible for structural stability and the movement of the neck.

By having a detailed assessment with your chiropractor, the true source of your pain can be determined. Then the care can be directed to fast pain relief and correction of the underlying dysfunction that created the discomfort.
The most common type of neck pain is mechanical neck pain. Mechanical neck pain develops due to changes in the alignment and/or the mechanics of the spine. It develops over time. This condition is effectively treated with chiropractic care. Always seek out the best chiropractor for your neck pain.

Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain in Dubai is common. It often shows up suddenly. The pain can also start slowly and build over time. Either way, the underlying root cause of neck pain is often something that has built up over years of neglect and poor habits. Here are some causes of neck pain.
⦁ Poor posture – Do you sit, stand and sleep with proper alignment? Not doing so causes imbalances and physical changes in your body over time.
⦁ Tech neck – Long periods of time at the computer are stressful on the neck.
⦁ Mobile phones – texting and scrolling on your mobile phone places the head in a forward position – resulting in forward head posture and rolled forward shoulders.
⦁ Lack of exercise – The spine is a mechanical entity. It is happiest when being used – moving, bending, turning. Not activating the muscles and joint leads to dysfunction – stiffness and locking of the joints, muscle tightness, nerve irritation etc. Our sedentary lifestyles are leading to neck pain.
⦁ Gravity – Your head weighs 15 pounds. Even a healthy, well aligned spine works hard to bear this weight. When your spine is unhealthy your neck is overloaded and might carry 2-3 times that weight.
⦁ Neglect – Most of us neglect our spinal health. We dedicate time and money to having our teeth checked regularly, regular physical check up with the medical doctor, skin care, hair care, nail care……even pet care. But we don’t view our spine as something that requires checkups or regular care – even though it holds us up all day long! Then, we are surprised when it breaks down.

Treatment for Neck Pain in Dubai

Chiropractic care is a safe and effective in the treatment for neck pain. Each day, worldwide, over 2 million people visit a chiropractor for care of their spine. Always seek out the best chiropractor in Dubai.
Chiropractors utilize a variety of methods in helping patients overcome neck pain, including spinal manipulation (adjustment), soft tissue therapy, traction, exercise coaching, postural and ergonomic education, and other methods. Each case is unique and requires:
⦁ Thorough history
⦁ Detailed examination – physical, chiropractic, orthopedic and/or neurological
⦁ Review of imaging (xrays, CT, MRI) if required
⦁ Review of the findings with the patient
⦁ Customized care plan/strategy for fast recovery and maintenance
Complex cases may be co-treated along with your medical doctor. In cases where the condition is deemed not treatable through chiropractic, your chiropractor will arrange a referral to the appropriate medical specialist to ensure that your needs are prioritized and you receive the most needful care.

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