What Is Neck Pain?
Neck pain refers to discomfort, pain, or issues in the neck region due to muscle tension, arthritis, strains, and other causes. If neck pain persists, seeking a diagnosis from healthcare professionals is recommended. In Hong Kong, you can find such help and assistance from our centre.
How Common Is Neck Pain in Hong Kong?
Neck pain is a common problem in a busy city like Hong Kong. Studies show that approximately two-thirds of the population suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives (Binder 2007). Fortunately, there are effective treatments available in Hong Kong to help patients get relief from their condition so that they can lead an active lifestyle free from neck pain.
What Are the Causes of Neck Pain in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong city dwellers suffer from neck pain for a broad number of reasons, with the following being the most common causes.
1. Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic neck pain is a common phenomenon among the Hong Kong population. It is often the result of muscle tension that is caused by prolonged sitting, poor working posture, poor circulation, and lack of exercise. Muscle tension develops in the upper back, shoulders and neck areas, which not only causes muscles to ache but also restricts spinal joint movements. Over time, poor joint mechanics result in disc protrusion and osteoarthritis, which may cause nerve impingement.
Tension-type headaches are also commonly related to neck pain, as trigger points within the cervical musculature can cause referred pain to the head region.
2. Acute Neck Pain
Acute neck pain, in cases of trauma like car accidents or sports injuries, is usually caused by a whiplash injury to the cervical region of the spine. Whiplash or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) are the result of impulsive stretching of the spine due to a sudden, propulsive force directed at the patient’s back. This force causes the head and neck to snap backwards and then forwards. Symptoms of a whiplash-associated disorder include neck pain that may extend to the upper or lower back, pins and needles and/or numbness to the arms and fingers. Whiplash-associated disorders are graded from mild subjective pain and stiffness to fracture, dislocation and injuries to the spinal cord.
Sometimes, there is no apparent cause of acute neck pain. For example, patients commonly complain of waking up with a stiff neck, a condition called Torticollis (wry neck). Torticollis is caused by muscle spasms in the neck that induce pain and severely limit the range of motion.
3. Mental Stress
The fast-paced and high-pressure lifestyle in Hong Kong often keeps neck and shoulder muscles in a constant state of tension. Over time, this prolonged tension can lead to muscle strain and degeneration in the neck and shoulder areas. Coupled with insufficient sleep, muscles don't get enough rest and relaxation, ultimately exacerbating neck pain.
4. Other Causes
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Common sports injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments caused by acute trauma or chronic overuse, leading to sprains.
- Cervical Spondylosis (Cervical Osteoarthritis): A common cause of neck pain among labourers in Hong Kong and those who constantly look down or maintain fixed postures, such as frequent mobile device users. Past neck injuries also increase the risk of developing cervical spondylosis.
- Nerve Compression (Cervical Radiculopathy): A common cause of neck pain in Hong Kong due to prolonged looking down or improper sitting postures, often leading to chronic strain or injury during activities. Accidents, falls, and traffic incidents are also common causes.
- Herniated Disc: Besides age-related disc degeneration, improper postures over time, poor lifestyle habits, severe trauma, and even genetics can cause a herniated disc.
Symptoms of Shoulder and Neck Pain
Shoulder and neck pain can manifest in many symptoms, and the following are the 10 most common symptoms:
- Muscle tension and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back, affecting neck movement
- Reduced neck mobility, pain when turning the head
- Pain in the neck when sleeping or waking up
- Pain when lifting the head or swallowing
- Neck soreness, tingling sensation
- Upper limb numbness, sudden neck pain, and hand numbness
- Shoulder and neck pain accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or even nausea
- Diminished touch sensation in upper limbs.
- Weakness in limbs
- Muscle fatigue in the neck
Seek chiropractic help at our Hong Kong centre immediately if you experience these symptoms of shoulder and neck pain.
Neck Pain in Different Locations
Apart from the causes mentioned above, the reason for neck pain can vary depending on its location. The following are causes based on different neck pain locations, including the back of the neck, the right or left side of the neck, and the front of the neck.
Pain in the Back of the Neck
The most common neck pain is mainly located in the back of the neck and shoulders, and is often felt while extending the head backwards. Causes include poor posture, exposure to cold drafts, accidents or sports injuries, and cervical degeneration.
Pain in the Right or Left side of the Neck
Pain on the side of theneck is also a common complaint, occurring when turning the head, often causing pain on either the right or left side. Causes include improper posture, sports or accident injuries, and cervical degeneration.
Pain in the Front of the Neck
Pain in the front of the neck typically doesn't affect the shoulders or upper limbs. Causes may include accidents or poor posture, carotid artery blockage, tracheal constriction, and cervical lymph pain.
What Is the Chiropractic Treatment Approach for Neck Pain?
- Reduce Pain - For both acute and chronic pain, the initial goal of treatment would be to reduce the pain or to “break the pain cycle”. As the pain level is reduced, the muscles will relax, reversing the pain cycle.
- Restore Normal Joint Mechanics - Depending on the examination findings, your chiropractor will adjust (manipulate) the vertebral joints that are misaligned (subluxated). This may take place on the first treatment or on any subsequent treatments as deemed necessary.
- Improve Flexibility and Strength – To prevent future injuries, it is important to improve the flexibility of the joints and muscle strength. Your chiropractor will advise you on appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises according to your physical needs and fitness level.
- Lifestyle Adjustments – A hectic lifestyle can be a culprit for neck pain, which means exercises, diet, working posture, sleep, etc., play a vital role in the development and otherwise prevention of neck pain. Your chiropractor will work with you to identify lifestyle adjustments that will help you maximise the quality of your health.
How Effective Is Chiropractic Treatment of Neck Pain?
Chiropractic treatment for neck pain is effective from both a pain management and cost perspective, making it a widely regarded treatment method in Hong Kong. In fact, one study found that neck manipulation is more effective than traditional medical treatment methods.
Below are details about specific research related to chiropractic care for neck pain:
- “Neck manipulation, acupuncture and massage are better than most of the treatments most utilized by the traditional medical system. It was found that steroid injections, surgery and neck collars show little evidence of benefit.” The Bone & Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders: Executive Summary. Spine, February, 2008
- The Cost-effectiveness of Chiropractic for Back and Neck Pain. A Summary of two studies in JMPT, October 2005.
- Improvement After Chiropractic Care in Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sensibility and Subjective Pain Intensity in Patients with Nontraumatic Chronic Neck Pain Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), February 2006.
Additional articles related to neck pain or neck pain research:
- The Chiropractic Resource Organisation - Chiropractic and Chronic Neck Pain
What Are the Recommended Treatments for Neck Pain?*
Our centre in Hong Kong offers comprehensive neck pain/cervical pain treatment methods to alleviate and ease pain for various degrees and types of pain conditions.
- Spinal Manipulation - for restoration of joint movements
- Dry-Needling - for pain relief and muscle relaxation
- Ultrasound Therapy - for reducing inflammation
- Interferential Current Therapy - for relaxing muscles and enhancing circulation
- Shockwave Therapy - to speed up tissue healing
- Exercise Therapy - to restore normal function and flexibility
Related pages: Headache、Shoulder Pain、Elbow Pain、Wrist Pain、Neck Exercises
The right neck pain treatment for you and even a cure might be closer than you think. There are a host of specialist clinics across Hong Kong that can help you find out the cause of your neck pain and provide effective relief with your own tailored treatment plan. Got any questions? Feel free to ask our friendly team for assistance.
* A proper diagnosis has to be obtained for all of the above conditions before an appropriate combination of treatments will be provided. This is just a list of possible treatments for the individual condition, but not all of them may be necessary, nor is it limited to those listed only.