Chronic neck and shoulder pain
Chronic neck and shoulder pain is a pain condition that persists for an extended period of time, usually more than three to six months. It is a condition in which the pain becomes a regular companion in everyday life, which can have a significant impact on the quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities.
It can occur as a result of an underlying disease, injury or condition in the neck and shoulders. Examples of such conditions can include degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, muscle strains, herniated discs or inflammation of the tissues. These conditions can contribute to the pain becoming chronic and continuing to affect the well-being of the individual over a long period of time.
Acute pain or chronic neck pain?
The difference between acute pain and chronic pain is that the latter lasts for a longer period of time and can be more complicated to treat. While acute pain is often a short-term reaction to an injury or illness and tends to subside as the injury heals or the illness is treated, chronic pain persists over a longer period of time, which can mean that it becomes a more significant and long-term burden for the affected individual.
Causes & common symptoms of chronic neck and shoulder pain
Common Causes of Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain
The causes of chronic neck and shoulder pain can be multifaceted and include a combination of different factors.
Muscle and ligament injuries
Injury to the muscles and ligaments in the neck and shoulders, especially if they do not heal properly, can lead to chronic pain.
Poor posture
Sitting or standing with poor posture for long periods of time can put strain on the neck and shoulders and lead to chronic pain.
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints, such as cervical spondylosis or other forms of arthritis, can cause chronic neck and shoulder pain.
Disc problems
Herniated discs or degenerative changes in the discs of the spine can cause pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
Whiplash injury
A previous whiplash injury, such as in a car accident, can lead to long-term pain in the neck and shoulders.
Nerve Compression
Compression of nerves in the neck, such as in cervical spinal stenosis or herniated discs, can cause chronic pain and discomfort.
Stress and Tension
Chronic stress and tension can lead to muscle knots and tension in the neck and shoulders.
Repetitive Motion
Repeated movements or tasks involving the neck and shoulders, especially if performed in poor ergonomics, can lead to chronic pain.
Weak Muscles
Insufficient strength in the neck and shoulder muscles can lead to overuse and pain.
Diseases and Infections
Certain diseases and infections, such as fibromyalgia or meningitis, can cause long-term neck and shoulder pain.
Sleep Problems
Insufficient or poor quality sleep can affect the body’s ability to recover and contribute to chronic pain.
Aging
Aging often involves degenerative changes in muscles, ligaments, and joints, which can contribute to chronic neck and shoulder pain.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain
Common symptoms of chronic neck and shoulder pain can be multifaceted and include a combination of different factors.
Continuous pain
Chronic neck and shoulder pain is characterized by long-term pain that lasts for more than a few weeks or months.
Stiffness
A feeling of stiffness in the neck and shoulder area is common with chronic pain and can make it difficult to move the head and shoulders freely.
Muscle tension
Chronic pain can lead to persistent muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which can increase discomfort.
Headaches
The pain can radiate and cause chronic headaches, especially from the neck and top of the head.
Reduced mobility
People with chronic neck and shoulder pain may experience limited mobility and difficulty performing certain movements.
Numbness and Tingling
Pain and irritation in the nerves can cause numbness and tingling that radiates into the arms and hands.
Weakness
Chronic pain can lead to muscle weakness in the neck and shoulders, which can affect the ability to perform certain tasks.
Difficulty sleeping
Pain and discomfort can affect sleep quality and lead to difficulty falling asleep or maintaining a comfortable sleeping position.
Sensitivity to weather
Some people with chronic neck and shoulder pain may experience increased sensitivity to discomfort during changes in the weather.
Mood changes
Chronic pain can affect mental health and lead to mood changes, including irritability and depression.
Impaired quality of life
The pain and its consequences can affect overall quality of life by limiting physical activity and social interaction.
It is important to note that symptoms can vary between individuals and depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
How is chronic neck and shoulder pain treated?
Before we perform a treatment for chronic neck and shoulder pain, we always do a proper examination and look at the entirety of your problem. Many times the pain you experience can originate from another or more places in the body.
The chiropractor can use various manual techniques to relieve tension and improve mobility in one or more joints and the area around your problem. This can include joint manipulation, soft tissue treatment, muscle stretching, but also advice on rehabilitation training and ergonomics. If necessary, we cooperate with other healthcare providers and ensure that you receive the right type of care.
