Axial neck pain is also known as uncomplicated neck pain, whiplash, and cervical/neck strain. They refer to pain and discomfort running along the back or posterior of the neck. Axial is defined as forming or around an axis. This type of pain stays around the neck and immediate surrounding structures. It does not spread/radiate to the arms, hands, fingers, and other body areas. Axial neck pain differs from two other neck conditions. They are:
Cervical radiculopathy describes the nerveβs irritation or compression/pinching as it exits the spinal cord. The nerves of the cervical spine are known as the peripheral nerves. They are responsible for relaying signals to and from the brain to specific areas of the arms and hands. The signals that are sent from the brain are for muscle movement, while signals going to the brain are for sensation.
When one of these nerve/s gets irritated, inflamed, or injured, it can result in:
Cervical myelopathy describes compression of the spinal cord itself. The spinal cord is the information highway/pipeline to all body parts. There is a range of symptoms that can include:
Table of Contents
Axial neck pain is a quite common type of neck pain. It affects around 10% of the population. However, most of these cases do not involve severe symptoms that limit daily activity.
Pain in the back of the neck is the primary and most common symptom. Sometimes the pain travels to the base of the skull, shoulder, or shoulder blade. Other symptoms include:
Poor posture, lack of ergonomics, and muscle weakness increase the chances of developing axial neck pain. Risk factors for development include:
A diagnosis is usually achieved based on symptoms and physical exam findings. A doctor typically orders an x-ray, CT, or MRI of the cervical spine. There could be severe symptoms indicating something more dangerous, causing pain like infection, cancer, or fracture. This calls for an immediate visit to a hospital/clinic for evaluation. These symptoms include:
Rheumatic conditions/diseases that cause neck pain include morning stiffness and immobility, which get better as the day progresses. Spine imaging could be recommended if symptoms continue for more than six weeks. Especially for individuals with previous neck or spine surgery or if it could be cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy.
There is a wide range of treatment options. Surgery is rarely required except for severe cases. Returning to normal activities almost right away is one of the most important things to do to prevent the pain from becoming chronic. First-line treatments typically begin with:
A neck brace could be recommended for short-term use if a cervical spine fracture has been diagnosed. A soft collar could be utilized if the pain is severe, but a doctor will usually discontinue use after three days. Other non-invasive treatment options include:
Invasive treatments like injections, nerve ablation, and surgery are rarely required. But if necessary, it can be beneficial for those cases.
A variety of the neckβs anatomical structures can contribute to the pain. Common causes include:
All of these can affect vertebral bodies, discs, and facet joints. Shoulder arthritis or a rotator cuff tear can imitate axial neck pain. Dysfunction of the temporomandibular jaw joint or the neck blood vessels can cause axial pain, but it is rare.
Symptoms are usually alleviated within 4-6 weeks from when the pain started. Pain that continues beyond this should encourage a visit to a chiropractic physician.
Optimizing posture, ergonomics, and muscle strengthening can help prevent the onset of pain and help alleviate the symptoms.
Β
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Axial Whiplash and Uncomplicated Neck Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
For pregnant individuals, dehydration during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for the individual… Read More
For individuals that are trying to change up their daily routine, can incorporating the beneficial… Read More
For individuals who may need to take pain medications to manage an injury or condition,… Read More
Lower back leg pain depends on specific symptoms and their duration. Can having a better… Read More
Can physical therapies help individuals with a Colles' or wrist fracture? Colles' Fracture A broken… Read More
Can individuals dealing with pain and inflammation in their bodies can incorporate a ketogenic diet… Read More